Samuel G. Goodrich (1793–1860)

The excerpt below does not describe what the book is about, it's not a book you'd review, it's an Almanac; a classic one though! I read this scene in December's entry. It has some more random entries like this.

“What studies do you intend to pursue," said an erudite pedagogue one day, as a Johnny Raw entered his school room.
“Why, I shall study read, I'spose, wouldn't ye’’
"Yes, but you will not want to read all the time; are you acquainted with figures?"
“It’s a pity if I ain't when I’ve cyphered clean through adoption.”
“Adoption! what rule is that?" said the master.
“Why, it’s the double rule of two; you know that twice two is four and according to adoption, twice four is two.”
“You may take your seat, sir," said the master.
“And you may take yours too,” said the pupil, “for it's a poor rule that won’t work both ways.”

… (meer)