This is a list of some of the books included in the Eclectic Education Series. For a complete list of the books, please e-mail us at

Ray's Arithmetic

Basic Math

“An effort has been made throughout the work to observe a natural and strictly logical connection between the different parts, so that the learner may not be required to rely on a principle, or employ a process, with the rationale of which he is not already acquainted”

  Ray's Primary Arithmetic. 95 pages. The first book in the Ray's Series, Primary Arithmetic starts at the very beginning of mathematics by teaching the children to count. The book then slowly progresses with simple problems, first with addition, then subtraction, then multiplication and division. The problems are very simple, so that the child can learn the concepts involved.

  Ray's Intellectual Arithmetic. 141 pages. Intellectual Arithmetic begins by reviewing the basic concepts covered in Ray's Primary Arithmetic, adding more problems and raising the difficulty. The book then adds the new concept of Fractions. Finally, it follows fractions with the similar concept of percentages. As these concepts are introduced, applications for the problems are given, showing the child how to solve increasingly complex problems, such as how to divide the rent of a farm between two people considering that one mans livestock eats 1/3 less.

  Ray's New Elementary Arithmetic 192 pages. / Rudimentary Arithmetic. 193 pages. Ray's New Elementary Arithmetic was to a large extent a kind of second version or redesign of Rudimentary Arithmetic, and large portions of Rudimentary Arithmetic are incorporated in the Elementary text.

Ray's New Elementary Arithmetic is designed to lead straight into Practical Arithmetic, by providing an extensive amount of drill work for the student, in order to allow the student ample time and problems to thoroughly master the fundamentals before moving forward.

  Ray's New Practical Arithmetic. 337 pages. Practical Arithmetic starts by quickly reviewing the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division covered previously in Elementary Arithmetic, and then moves into a study of different types of measurement, followed by factoring, and a more involved study of fractions and percentages. After these mathematical bases have been studied and mastered, real world applications for these mathematics are introduced. These include Transactions, Commissions, Stock values and investments, Interest, Discounts, Monetary exchange, Insurance and Taxes. Practical Arithmetic then concludes by introducing basic geometry.

Intermediate Math

”To fix the principles in the mind of the student, and to show their bearing and utility, great attention has been paid to the preparation of practical exercises.”

This continual grounding in practicality is a peculiar aspect of Ray's Arithmetic, one which is very rare and very valuable. Modern math books have focused so much on the abstract that the student is left to wonder how he will ever be able to use it in his day to day life; a feeling that easily makes mathematics seem like a chore or useless exercise.

  Ray's New Higher Arithmetic. 409 pages. A very complete study of Arithmetic, this is the last book in the Ray's series before the introduction of Algebra. All of the basic mathematical methods are reviewed thoroughly; and more complicated applications and uses are explored. Finally the book begins the study of Geometry, and the fundamentals of Trigonometry are introduced.

  Ray's New Elementary Algebra. 241 pages. “In introducing Algebra to the student with Elementary Algebra, great care has been taken to make the student feel that he is not operating with unmeaning symbols, by means of arbitrary rules; that Algebra is both a rational and practical subject, and that he can rely on his reasoning, and the results of his operations with the same confidence as in arithmetic. For this purpose, he is furnished, at almost every step, with the means of testing the accuracy of the principles on which the rules are founded, and of the results which they produce.”

I cannot stress highly enough the importance the above paragraph has to a student embarking on a study of Algebra. From personal experience while studying with Saxon Algebra I know just how frustrating it is to be told what to do, while not given any reasons for why we are doing it or how it works. I didn't want to simply take their word for it but prove it for myself, a thought process most students share. And while I did manage to work these things out eventually, it was a slow and painful process. One of the things that make Ray's Arithmetic such an excellent series is the attention given to the student. Instead of neglecting the reasoning and deducing ability of the students themselves, they are instead encouraged to think on their own. This increases the students interest, his understanding of the material, as well as his recollection of studies later on.

Ray's New Elementary Algebra focuses on the basic forms of Algebra. Algebraic Fractions, Simple Equations, Powers, Roots, Radicals, and finally Quadratic Equations are among the concepts explored. As always, after a concept has been taught, real-world applications for the process are given to the student.

  Ray's New Higher Algebra. 407 pages. After reviewing the fundamentals, Higher Algebra then moves on to Theorems, Factoring, Algebraic Fractions, Quadratic Equations, Ratio, Proportion, Binomial Theorem, etc etc. This book is quite lengthy, thoroughly teaching algebraic concepts. While there are relatively few problems for the student to work on and solve, these have been supplied by Test Problems for Higher Algebra. 152 pages, as well as A Complete Algebra. 359 pages.

Advanced Math

  Ray's Treatise on Geometry and Trigonometry. 421 pages. Begins by giving definitions for some basic geometrical terms, then begins Geometry, starting with parallel lines, then continuing with Arcs and Radii, the properties of triangles, Parallelograms, measuring area, Polygons, the geometry of space, Pyramids, Prisms, etc. The book then continues on into the subject of Trigonometry, and supplies logarithmic tables. No problems are supplied for the student in this book, which instead gives all it's attention to teaching the concepts. It is suggested that the student use another book to provide problems while learning the mathematical processes from this book.

  Ray's Analytic Geometry. 608 pages. Equations to the Right Line, the Plane, Quadrics, The Ellipse, The Hyperbola, and Properties of Conics discussed with great fullness. Abridged Notation is introduced in this book. This book does not supply problems for student work, focusing on teaching the concepts.

  Ray's Differential and Integral Calculus. 442 pages. Begins with definitions. Careful attention has been given to the teaching of the doctrine of limits, which has been made the basis of both the Differential and Integral Calculus. Problems are supplied in the book.

History

Thalheimer's Histories: A series of history books with a Christian perspective, accepting the Bible as historical fact, written in a interesting and inspiring manner.

• Ancient History

• History of Scotland

• General History

• Medieval History

• English History

• United States History

Cromwell: A history and collection of letters from one of the greatest men of English History, Oliver Cromwell. A rare book on a man often overlooked by historians, Cromwell, a village Squire, became a general, who, after his first loss in which he learned the art of war, never lost a single battle.

• Volume I

• Volume II

• Volume III

Progressive Course in Reading: Five books similar to the McGuffey's series, progressing in difficulty and covering the following topics:

• Stories

• Studies

• Rhymes

• Riddles

• Information

• Literature

• Oral Expression

  Cyclopedia: This is a cyclopedia of "Commercial and Social Information, and Treasury of useful and Entertaining Knowledge"737 pages long, covers topics ranging from Grammar and Etiquette, to playing Chess or the Piano. Very interesting reading.

  Andrews Constitution: A Study of the Constitution of the United States.

  American Poems: Selected Poems from America's Greatest Poets.

  Rhetorical Reading: A detailed course on Oral Reading. Often overlooked but never more important, being able to speak eloquently is an important skill in todays video/media driven world.

Good Morals and Gentle Manners: A truly excellent book, addressing a subject of unequaled importance; based on the proverbs, this book teaches that a gentleman and a lady must be distinguished by good manners, and that good manners are the outgrowth of good morals.

Science

  Norton's Elements of Chemistry. 301 pages. Norton's Science's are truly excellent; a student who applied himself to any of these books will come away with a deep understanding of the subject. Norton's Chemistry introduces the student to the classical experiments and studies of chemistry, and a basic knowledge of the elements.

  Norton's Elements of Natural Philosophy. 468 pages. This work is the result many years experience in teaching the subject of Physics, and is a thorough introduction to the forces involved in the subject.

  Norton's Elements of Physics. 269 pages. This intriguing book is so well written that it does not feel so much like a dry text on the mathematics of physics as an exploration of physical laws, thus allowing someone well acquainted with physics or not at all to read this book with great enjoyment. Carefully illustrated, this book begins by introducing the student first to general notions of matter and force, and then introducing new elements one by one. Friction, adhesion, fluids, sound, light, heat, and electricity are all explored, with careful explanations of experiments and studies done by the scientists who explored these properties.

  Ray's Elements of Astronomy. 342 pages. Taking a different approach to astronomy, rather than focusing on the Greek names for constellations this book focuses on the movements of heavenly bodies and the science of astronomy.

  Ray's Surveying and Navigation. 492 pages. While this book thoroughly covers the old art of Surveying (the same business George Washington was in for a number of years) this book is especially useful because of it's great attention to the field of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry and Mensuration, and may because of this be used as a textbook for those fields.

  Complete Book Keeping. 161 pages. An often over-looked area of study, book-keeping will always be an important area of expertise for anyone who earns or spends money. As the author states: “Book-keeping... cultivates the judicial powers of the mind... contributes to private and public virtue.. leads to economy and thrift... and it's practice will reduce pauperism and crime.” Beginning with the basic form of double entry book-keeping, Debit, Credit, and all areas of accounting are taught.

  Schuyler's Principles of Logic. 169 pages. Logic is a mathematical pursuit. How can we tell? Through logic.... Because math is based on logical premises (induction), and then followed through in a logical working out of the premises (deduction). The author explains this more thoroughly, but you'll have to read the book.
 

  Nature Study: This book is a guide on how to observe and note experiments and studies in nature.

  First Year Science. 505 pages. Meant for High School Students, this book is an introduction to many different forms of science; Physics, Chemistry, Meteorology, Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Astronomy, Physiography, Forestry, and Agriculture are all treated. The language is kept simple, not technical, and the principles are thoroughly illustrated with experiments and pictures.

    Political Economy. 396 pages. This book is an excellent introduction to economics. A knowledge of basic economics is a necessary thing for any person wishing to hold any job, especially one requiring management of a business or other people.

  Simplified Industrial Mechanics. 289 pages. This is a technical book, providing problems and an answer key. It is a good beginning college course on the subject.

  Guide to Health: A course on the body; how it works and how to maintain it. Rated G in case you were worried.

McGuffey's Readers

These are the 1879 edition of McGuffey's Readers, or third edition.

•   McGuffey's 1^st Eclectic Reader and McGuffey's Primer;containing the alphabet and lessons, simple and easy, for little learners.
  

•   McGuffey's 2^nd Eclectic Reader and McGuffey's Alternate 2^nd Eclectic Reader; easy lessons in reading and spelling, for young pupils.

•  McGuffey's 3^rd Eclectic Reader and McGuffey's Alternate 3^rd Eclectic Reader; interesting and instructive primary lessons, for young pupils.

• McGuffey's 4^th Eclectic Reader and McGuffey's Alternate 4^th Eclectic Reader; chaste and instructive lessons in prose and poetry, for the young.

•   McGuffey's 5^th Eclectic Reader and McGuffey's Alternate 5^th Eclectic Reader; choice extracts in prose and verse, for middle classes.

•   McGuffey's 6^th Eclectic Reader; a rhetorical reading book, for the more advanced classes.

•   McGuffey's New High School Reader; copious classic exercises, for the highest classes in schools and academies.

•   McGuffey's Word List; contains the words of McGuffey's Revised Primer and Readers in the order in which they are first met in the successive lessons.

•   McGuffey's Eclectic Speaker; comprising three hundred exercises for reading or declamation. This book may be used as a reader or speaker; the selections being peculiarly adapted to the double purpose of declamation and reading in High Schools.

•   McGuffey's Juvenile Speaker, for Common Schools: choice and animating exercises in speaking or reading, designed for young pupils.

•   McGuffey's Eclectic Speller; containing more than 12,000 words, with rules and examples for the formation of derivatives.

•   McGuffey's Familiar Animals and McGuffey's Living Creatures: McGuffey's Natural History Readers are intended to furnish supplementary reading within a field which is always fresh, interesting, and instructive to children.

• Hemans Reader for Female Schools; containing extracts in Prose and Poetry.

The Grammar Series

Longs Language- 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^thReader Grade: Based upon the principle that the child learns by example and practice, these books lead the beginning student to write correctly from the very outset, giving him or her correct habits which will last through a lifetime.

Pinneo’s Grammar– These booksprovide a comprehensive study for the intermediate to advanced student interested in understanding the rules which organize the English Language.

 1. Pinneo’s Primary Grammar: A simple and thorough elementary work for common schools, illustrated by very copious exercises and examples.

 2. Pinneo’s Analytic Grammar: A thorough and complete exposition of the principles of the English Language, explaining it intricacies and idioms.

 3. Pinneo’s English Teacher: A very exhaustive work on the analysis and synthesis of English sentences, containing a great number and variety of exercises adapted to training the mind of the pupil to the habit of using language accurately, elegantly, and forcibly.

 4. Pinneo’s Composition: Graduated lessons on English Composition, with appropriate directions, exercises, and models, designed to teach the art of composing with accuracy and elegance.

 5. Pinneo’s False Syntax: This work contains many exercises in False Syntax, systematically arranged. Promiscuous exercises are also added, embracing intermingled examples of correct and incorrect syntax, designed to test thoroughly the pupil’s knowledge of the subject.

Harvey’s Grammar– For more advanced students, these books may be used for the pupil who has some previous grammar knowledge, or as a research tool for looking up an alternate or perhaps clearer explanation to that given in Pinneo’s Grammar.

  Harvey’s Elementary Grammar: This book is split into three parts. Part one consists of lessons in technical grammar, sentence-making, and composition. This course of instruction is introductory to that given in part two, which contains a concise yet exhaustive statement of the properties and modifications of the different parts of speech. Part three covers the different types of punctuation.

 Harvey’s First Lessons in English: This manual is an extension and application of the principles sketched out in the “Oral Lessons” of Harvey’s Elementary Grammar.

 Harvey’s English Grammar: This book has four parts, each covering one of the four parts of grammar. These are Orthography (elementary sounds, letters, and spelling), Etymology (classification, derivation, and properties of words), Syntax (construction of sentences), and Prosody (quantity of syllables, of accent, and of the laws of versification).

Teachers Books

 Manual of Methods. 261. pages. This is possibly the most valuable book for mothers; it's a guide to all of the subjects included in the EES with instructions on how they can be taught.

 Question Book. 165. This book is full of an assortment of problems from the Eclectic Education Series. It's purpose is to allow the teacher or student to review their over-all knowledge from their studies.

 Successful Teaching in Rural Schools. 294 pages. This is a selection of letters, a record of the achievements of teachers in rural schools using the Eclectic Education Series.