TREATISE 
OS 
ALGEBRA. 
SECTION I. 
NOTATION. 
A LGEBRA is that Science which teaches, in a 
general manner, the relation and comparison of 
abstract quantities: by means whereof such Questions 
are resolved whose solutions would be sought in vain 
from common Arithmetic. 
In Algebra, otherwise called Specious Arithmetic, 
Numbers are not expressed as in the common Notation, 
but every Quantity, whether given or required, is com-* 
monly represented by some letter of the alphabet; the 
given ones for distinction sake, being, usually, denoted 
by the initial letters a, b, e, d, &c.; and the unknown, 
or required ones, by the final letters u, to, cc, y, See. 
There are, moreover in Algebra, certain Signs or Notes 
made use of, to shew the relation and dependence of 
quantities one upon another, whose signification the 
Learner ought, first of all, to be made acquainted with. 
The Sign f, signifies that the quantity, which it is pre 
fixed to, is to be added. Thus a -f b shew r s that the 
number represented by b is to be added to that repre 
sented by a, and expresses the sum of those numbers; 
so that if a was 5, and b 3, then would a f- b be 5 -p 3,