Westport, Mass: 1829. Wraps. A fascinating New England copybook consisting primarily of mathematics exercises, carefully copied out in copperplate calligraphy by Alexander Wood, which includes numerous examples of how to exchange local currencies into "federal money".
There are 10 cases of exchange rates; Case 1 states, "To reduce lawful money of the currency of new england (sic), virginia, kentucky, and tennessee, to federal money, the dollar being 8 shillings".
The states had their own local currencies, but because of a 1786 Act of Congress which established "Federal Money" as the official currency of the US, this necessitated establishing rules for the conversion of regional monies. "New England currency" was used by eight states: Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia; New York and North Carolina shared a currency, "New York Currency". These currencies obviously existed until 1829.
Other mathematical exercises copied here include: Fractions; Duodecimals Rules; Compound Proportion or Double Rule of Three; Simple Interest; Compound Interest; Custom House Allowance; Single and Double Fellowship; Loss and Gain; Barter; Square Roots; Geometrical Progression; Annuities; Gauging; and Mechanical Powers.
Alexander Wood inscribes the book at the bottom of the first page of Exchange cases, as follows: "Westport, January the 28th, 1829. Alexander Wood of Westport His Cyphering Book" (p51). Wood (1819-1892) was born in Westport Massachusetts, one of 6 children of Nathan Wood and Anna Gifford Wood. The 1850 Federal Census records him at age 34 living with his parents, with the occupation of sailor; in the 1860 Census he is listed as a farmer. In the 1865 Mass. Census he is listed as married, but living with the Gideon Peckham family and working as a labourer.
Folio, (13 3/4 x 8 1/4") 191pp, 175pp with copperplate calligraphy, the remaining leaves unused. Rubbings of several coins have been made at the last page. In the original plain stiff card covers. Suffers from the ravages of time, damp affecting most pages, very legible nevertheless. A fascinating example of a New England school curriculum of the day. Good - condition. Item #26113