An enthusiastic analysis of the important rôle that mathematics has played in the intellectual history of mankind. The author regrets the diminished time devoted to its study in the elementary school and high school. He is however opposed to the demathematization of algebra and geometry that is commonly practiced to meet the needs of the great mass of students. He proposes instead that school authorities should “permit pupils who show lack of interest or ability and who are a drag on the rest of the class to be transferred to other subjects, say at the end of six or nine weeks.”