Publisher's Synopsis
"The From the INTRODUCTION.
The idea of this book was suggested to me by Kindergarten Gift No. VIII.-Paper-folding. The gift consists of 200 variously coloured squares of paper, a folder, and diagrams and instructions for folding. The paper is coloured and glazed on one side. The paper may, however, be of self-colour, alike on both sides. In fact, any paper of moderate thickness will answer the purpose, but coloured paper shows the creases better, and is more attractive. The kindergarten gift is sold by Messrs. Higginbotham and Co.; but coloured paper of both sorts can be had in the bazaars. A packet of 100 squares of both sorts accompanies this book, and the packets can also be had separately. Any sheet of paper can be cut into a square as explained in the opening articles of this book, but it is neat and convenient to have the squares ready cut.
2. These exercises do not require mathematical instruments, the only things necessary being a penknife and scraps of paper, the latter being used for setting off equal lengths. The squares are themselves simple substitutes for a straight edge and a T square.
3. In paper-folding several important geometrical processes can be effected much more easily than with a pair of compasses and ruler, the only instruments the use of which is sanctioned in Euclidian Geometry; for example, to divide straight lines and angles into two or more equal parts, to draw perpendiculars and parallels to straight lines. It is, however, not possible in paper-folding to describe a circle, but a number of points on a circle, as well as other curves, may be obtained by other methods. These exercises do not consist merely of drawing geometrical figures involving straight lines in the ordinary way, and folding upon them, but they require an intelligent application of the simple processes peculiarly, adapted to paper-folding. This will be apparent at the very commencement of this book.
4. The use of the kindergarten gifts not only affords interesting occupations to boys and girls, but also prepares their minds for the appreciation of science and art. Conversely the teaching of science and art later on can be made interesting and based upon proper foundations by reference to kindergarten occupations. This is particularly the case with Geometry, which forms the basis of every science and art. The teaching of Euclid in schools can be made very interesting by the free use of the kindergarten gifts. It would be perfectly legitimate to require pupils to fold the diagrams on paper. This would give them neat and accurate figures, and impress the truth of the propositions forcibly on their minds. It would not be necessary to take any statement on trust. But what is now realised by the imagination and idealization of clumsy figures can be seen in the concrete. A fallacy like the following would be impossible.....
