TO THE REV. GEORGE COLERIDGE
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EAR BROTHER, I have often been surprised that Mathematics, the quintessenceof Truth, should have found admirers so few and so languid.Frequent consideration and minute scrutiny have at lengthunravelled the cause; viz. that though Reason is feasted,Imagination is starved; whilst Reason is luxuriating in itsproper Paradise, Imagination is wearily travelling on a drearydesert. To assist Reason by the stimulus of Imagination is thedesign of the following production. In the execution of itmuch may be objectionable. The verse (particularly in theintroduction of the ode) may be accused of unwarrantableliberties, but they are liberties equally homogeneal with theexactness of Mathematical disquisition, and the boldness ofPindaric daring. I have three strong champions to defend meagainst the attacks of Criticism: the Novelty, the Difficulty,and the Utility of the work. I may justly plume myself that Ifirst have drawn the nymph Mathesis from the visionary cavesof abstracted idea, and caused her to unite with Harmony. Thefirst-born of this Union I now present to you; with interestedmotives indeed--as I expect to receive in return the morevaluable offspring of your Muse.Thine ever,S. T. C. [CHRIST'S HOSPITAL], _March 31, 1791_. This is now--this was erst,Proposition the first--and Problem the first. I On a given finite lineWhich must no way incline;To describe an equi----lateral Tri----A, N, G, L, E.[22:1] 5Now let A. B.Be the given lineWhich must no way incline;The great MathematicianMakes this Requisition, 10That we describe an Equi----lateral Tri----angle on it:Aid us, Reason--aid us, Wit!
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