James McIlwaine Ciphering Book, 18411 vol., 32 cm., 124 leaves, with 239 pages of entries in McIlwaine's hand. James McIlwaine was born c1824 in Fayette County, Indiana. He began copying lessons into this ciphering book in 1841, when a resident of Union County, Indiana; the final date in the book, around one quarter of the way through (30r), is 22 July of that year. The lessons fall into three main sections, treating, in progression, geometry, algebra, and accounting. The book was clearly a source of pride to its owner. The handwriting and layout are meticulous, and several internal title pages are embellished in watercolor. The "Book Keeping" section includes a coordinated day book, journal, and ledger; the mock accounts are those of a New Orleans merchant. MSN/EA 8805-1-B.