Joseph Ray (1807-1855)
Published by Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co.
Cincinnati 1877
This work might be compared with Davies' School Arithmetic (also on display). Both are for students, but Ray's work contains less advanced business applications. The worn state of the printed paper covers and pencil notations in the book indicate this was a well-used copy. Many of its exercises suggest a time long past. For example, on page 22, William receives 36¢ for Christmas and spends 25¢ on apples, cakes and candy. How many children today would be content with such humble offerings?