Graphic Methods in an Educational Course in Mechanics

Abstract

IN company, I think, with other correspondents, I have misunderstood Mr. Larden's use of the words “analytical methods.” He alluded, it is true, to resolution and taking moments, but “analytical methods,” especially when used in contradistinction to “graphical,” have a much wider and more commonly received meaning. Dr. Murray's dictionary defines modern mathematical analysis as “the resolving of problems by reducing them to equations,” and cites Hutton, “Course Math.,” 1827, “Analysis or Analytical method is that which is commonly used in Algebra.” Prof. Croom Robertson, in “Analysis” in the “Ency. Brit.,” says:—“In modern times analysis has come to mean the employment of the algebraical and higher calculus, and synthesis any direct treatment of the properties of geometrical figures, in the manner of the ancients without the use of algebraical notation or transformations.” “Analytical” is a hard-worked word, like potential and polarisation, and no doubt it may be used in Mr. Larden's. sense. The word “analytical,” in the sense of the employment of algebra and the higher calculus, is not self-explanatory, and “graphical” or “geometrical” are better for this reason than “synthetical,” unless the philosophical aspect is under discussion.