What is the use of mathematics?

There are many parents who would find it extremely difficult to answer this question, and if they attempted to give an answer, they would in many cases repeat what appears to be a widespread current belief, namely, that mathematics is of no use in itself, but that a school course in the subject affords valuable mental training and develops the brain.

If this were all that could be said in favour of mathematics, a strong case could be made out for the rival claims of philately to be included in the curricula of our schools and universities. The intelligent study of a collection of postage stamps may be made of greater educational value than the unintelligent manipulation of mere meaningless collections of algebraic symbols. The detection of watermarks and the measurement of perforations may be used to afford valuable mental training, and are well calculated to develop a child’s powers of observation and accurate measurement.