Between the Covers

Softcover. Original holograph cyphering book of Isaac Haines of Northampton [Mount Holly], Burlington County, New Jersey. Folio. Approximately 80 pages. Sewn marbled paper wrappers with paper owner label on front wrapper. One leaf torn lacking the bottom third, scattered foxing and soiling throughout, signatures partially loose, wrappers worn and stained with a stain on the front wrapper affecting the first two pages, and a tear along a portion of the rear wrapper, still a pleasing good or better example with the contents remaining clear and bright with little to no fading of the ink. Laid in are three hexagonal pieces of paper that appear to have been cutout of the missing bottom third of the previously mentioned leaf as they contain fragments of writing and sums that appear to be in the same hand.

The owner label on the front wrapper is dated 1801, and about halfway through the book a page is dated March 12, 1802. The book contains instructions on mathematical concepts accompanied by examples of their applications. Many of the concepts introduced are expanded upon later in the book. Concepts such as "Addition of Money," "Federal Money," "Cloth Measure," "Land Measure," "Avoirdupois Weight," "The Single Rule of Three," and more are explored and worked through. The headings and subheadings are written in an elegant calligraphic script and the pages are broken up into sections by use of a straightedge, some in a rather unconventional manner with bits of work occupying triangular spaces.

The most curious page in the book (and the only mention of a location) contains no school work. Instead, it contains the following passage, “Article of agreement entered into this twenty-fifth day of January eighteen hundred and twenty-two between John Stokes of the first part and Isaac T. Haines of the second part both of the Township of Northampton, County of Burlington and State of New Jersey” (Northampton is now known as Mount Holly). But there are no signatures underneath and no other information about this agreement.

The Haines were a very prosperous and influential family in Burlington County. Their endeavors and pursuits helped develop much of the region and their influence can still be seen in the area today. 51 Union Street, a house originally built by Jonathan Haines in 1760 (and later known as the Haines/Thompson house) is still standing. Another Isaac Haines (perhaps the father of this book's owner) is responsible for the construction of what came to be known as Kirby's Mill, which was completed in 1778 and was still in operation during 1969, making it the last working commercial mill in New Jersey. In 1971 it was designated a State Historical Site and though no longer in operation as a commercial mill, it can still be visited today.

An interesting look into mathematical and economic studies in the early 19th century with a nice connection to New Jersey history.

Item #614182