approximation as those used by the Egyptians and given by Boethius in his geometry. An old problem is the "cistern-problem" (given the time in which several pipes can fill a cistern singly, to find the time in which they fill it jointly), which has been found previously in Heron, in the Greek Anthology, and in Hindoo works. Many of the problems show that the collection was compiled chiefly from Roman sources. The problem which, on account of its uniqueness, gives the most positive testimony regarding the Roman origin is that on the interpretation of a will in a case where twins are born. The problem is identical with the Roman, except that different ratios are chosen. Of the exercises for recreation, we mention the one of the wolf, goat, and cabbage, to be rowed across a river in a boat holding only one besides the ferry-man. Query: How must he carry them across so that the goat shall not eat the cabbage, nor the wolf the goat? The solutions of the "problems for quickening the mind" require no further knowledge than the recollection of some few formulas used in surveying, the ability to solve linear equations and to perform the four fundamental operations with integers. Extraction of roots was nowhere demanded; fractions hardly ever occur.[3]
The great empire of Charlemagne tottered and fell almost immediately after his death. War and confusion ensued. Scientific pursuits were abandoned, not to be resumed until the close of the tenth century, when under Saxon rule in Germany and Capetian in France, more peaceful times began. The thick gloom of ignorance commenced to disappear. The zeal with which the study of mathematics was now taken up by the monks is due principally to the energy and influence of one man,—Gerbert. He was born in Aurillac in Auvergne. After receiving a monastic education, he engaged in study, chiefly of mathematics, in Spain. On his return he taught
