_Study of Geometry in Lancashire_ (Vol. ii., p. 57.).--Your
correspondent Mr. T. T. WILKINSON, in his interesting article on this
subject, attributes the first rise of the study of geometry in
Lancashire to the Oldham Mathematical Society. But he is not perhaps
aware, that half a century before a Mathematical Society existed at
Manchester. I have a thin 8vo., entitled--
"Mathematical Lectures; being the first and second that were read
to the Mathematical Society at Manchester. By the late ingenious
Mathematician John Jackson. '_Who can number the Sands of the Sea,
the Drops of Rain, and the Days of Eternity?_' Ecclus. i. 2. '_He
that telleth the Number of the Stars, and calleth them all by
their Names._' Psalm cxlvii. 4. Manchester, printed by Roger
Adams, in the Parsonage, and sold by William Clayton, Bookseller,
at the Conduit. 1719."
The book is dedicated to the "Virtuous and Religious Lady Bland." The
Preface states that
"There having been lately set up in Manchester a Mathematical
Society, which was encouraged by many (and some Honorable)
subscribers, and the composing of the Lectures being undertaken by
the late ingenious Mathematician Mr. John Jackson, and he having
discharged himself well becoming his parts and character in the
reading of several extraordinary ones in Geometry, we thought it
would be great pity, as well as ingratitude, to let such worthy
performances expire with him."
Then follow the two Lectures, which terminate at p. 41. The first was
read Aug. 12, 1718; the second, Aug. 19, 1718. The Manchester
Mathematical Society would be one of the earliest in the kingdom.
Perhaps the Oldham Society might be a branch of the Manchester.