Ciphering Books Extracts

Kristin Raab
Development Officer

The extracts displayed come from ciphering books in the HHS Archives collection. Because students learning disciplines as varied as mathematics, handwriting, spelling and surveying used them, ciphering books are an excellent source for documenting the early history of education.

Louis Bevier 1734-1739 | Maria Elting 1799 | Louis Bevier 1800 | Rachel Elting 1803-1812 

Maria Elting Ciphering Book, 1799

This book chiefly contains mathematical exercises, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Maria Elting (D-51) was born March 9, 1758 to Cornelius Elting (C-22) and Blandina Elmendorf. On January 6, 1807 she married Louis Bevier, who's ciphering book is also highlighted in this collection. Together they had nine children. She died on January 1, 1859.

This page from Maria Elting's ciphering book shows "reduction." The problem she solved is, "In 9 pounds, how many shillings, pence and farthings?"

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