PHILOSOPHICAL

T R A N S A CT I O N S,
OF T II E

ROYAL SOCIETY

OF

LONDON.

FOR THE YEAR MDCCCVI.

PART II.

º ºr

LONDON,

PRINTED BY wa BULMER AND CO. clevelAND-Row, ST. JAMEs's ;

AND SOLD BY G. AND W. NICOL, PALL-MALL, BOOKSELLERS To HIS MAJESTY,
AND PRINTERS TO THE Royal SOCIETY.

MDCCCVI.
 CoNTENTs.

X. OBSERVATIONS upon the Marine Barometer, made during the

Examination of the Coasts of New Holland and New South
Wales, in the Tears 1801, 1802, and 1803. By Matthew
Flinders, Esq. Commander of his Majesty's Ship Investigator.
In a Letter to the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. K. B.
P. R. S. &c. &c. &c. page 239
XI. Account of a Discovery of native Minium. In a Letter
from James Smithson, Esq. F. R. S. to the Right Hon. Sir
Joseph Banks, K. B. P. R. S. p. 267
XII. Description of a rare Species of Worm Shells, discovered at
an Island lying off the North-west Coast of the Island of
Sumatra, in the East Indies. By J. Griffiths, Esq. Commu
nucated by the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, K. B. P. R. S.
- - p. 269
XIII. Observations on the Shell of the Sea Worm found on the
Coast of Sumatra, proving it to belong to a Species of Teredo;
with an Account of the Anatomy of the Teredo Navalis. By
Everard Home, Esq. F. R. S. p. 276
XIV. On the inverted Action of the alburnous Vessels of Trees.
By Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. F. R. S. In a Letter to
the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, K. B. P. R. S. p. 292
XV. A new Demonstration of the Binomial Theorem, when the
Exponent is a positive or negative Fraction. By the Rev.
Abram Robertson, A. M. F. R. S. Savilian Professor of
Geometry in the University of Oxford. In a Letter to Davies
Giddy, Esq. F. R. S. p. 305
 [.. iv. 1
XVI. New Method of computing Logarithms. By Thomas
Manning, Esq. Communicated by the Right Hon. Sir Joseph
Banks, K. B. P. R. S. p. 327
XVII. Description of the Mineral Bason in the Counties of
Monmouth, Glamorgan, Brecon, Carmarthen, and Pembroke.
By Mr. Edward Martin. Communicated by the Right Hon.
C. F. Greville, F. R. S. - p. 342
XVIII. Observations on the Permanency of the Variation of the
Compass at jamaica. In a Letter from Mr. James Robertson
to the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, K. B. P. R. S. &c.
p. 348
XIX. Observations on the Camel's Stomach respecting the Water
it contains, and the Reservoirs, in which that Fluid is inclosed;
with an Account of some Peculiarities in the Urine. By
Everard Home, Esq. F. R. S. p. 357
XX. Observations on the Variation, and on the Dip of the
magnetic Needle, made at the Apartments of the Royal Society,
between the Tears 1786 and 1805 inclusive. By Mr. George
Gilpin. Communicated by Henry Cavendish, Esq. F. R. S.
p. 385
XXI. On the Declinations of some of the principal fired Stars;
with a Description of an Astronomical Circle, and some Remarks
on the Construction of Circular Instruments. By John Pond,
Esq. Communicated by Smithson Tennant, Esq. F. R. S.
p. 42O
XXII. Observations and Remarks on the Figure, the Climate, and
the Atmosphere of Saturn and its Ring. By William Herschel,
LL. D. F. R. S. P. 455

Presents received by the Royal Society, from November, 1805, to

june, 1806. p. 468
Inder.
 [ 305 |

XV. A new Demonstration of the Binomial Theorem, when the

Exponent is a positive or negative Fraction. By the Rev.
Abram Robertson, A. M. F. R. S. Savilian Professor of
Geometry in the University of Oxford. In a Letter to Davies
Giddy, Esq. F. R. S.

Read June 5, 1806.

DEAR SIR,

Being perfectly convinced of your love of mathematical

science, and your extensive acquirements in it, I submit to
your perusal a new demonstration of the binomial theorem,
when the exponent is a positive or negative fraction. As I
am a strenuous advocate for smoothing the way to the acqui
sition of useful knowledge, I deem the following articles of
some importance; and unless I were equally sincere in this
persuasion, and in that of your desire to promote mathemati
cal studies, in requesting the perusal, I should accuse myself
of an attempt to trifle with your valuable time.
The following demonstration is new only to the extent
above mentioned; but in order that the reader may perceive
the proof to be complete, a successive perusal of all the
articles is necessary. As far as it relates to the raising of in
tegral powers, it is in substance the same with one which I
drew up in the year 1794, and which was honoured with a
place in the Philosophical Transactions for 1795, If, therefore,
R r 2
306 Mr. Robertson’s new Demonstration

you think the following demonstration worthy the attention

of mathematicians, you will much oblige me by presenting it
to the Royal Society.
I am, &c.

A. ROBERTSON.
Oxford,
March 21st, 1806.

1. The binomial theorem is a general expression for any

power of the sum or difference of two quantities. Thus if n
be any positive or negative whole number, or vulgar fraction,
and a, b, be any two quantities, the binomial theorem expresses
in a series the value of a-F5", or a-bi".
The binomial theorem is of very extensive utility. Besides
the advantages derived from it in raising powers and ex
tracting roots, it enables us to conduct, with clearness and
ease, a variety of investigations in the higher parts of algebra,
which, without its assistance, would become perplexed and
laborious.
2. If n be a whole positive number, we can raise r + a to
the power denoted by n, in the following manner, by multi
plication,
 - of the Binomial Theorem, 307

++a
ac-Ha

a"+ar
ar-Ha"

r-Haar--a-r-Fai'
a-Ha.
a’-H2ar" +a" JC
aa’-H2a r-Ha’
a’+3ar"--3a' r-Ha'-r-Fai'
++a
a"+3ar’–H3a a "+a'a.
ax'+3a*a*-H.3a'z-Ha"
*-i-4ar'+6a rº-H4a'r-i-a'-r-Fai',
&c.

In the same manner the value of r—al" may be obtained;

and its only difference from the value of r-Fal" will consist
in having the negative sign prefixed to such terms as have an
odd power of a. And as the powers of any other quantity,
either simple or compound, may be obtained gradually by
multiplying the last found power by the root, in order to find
the next higher power, it is manifest that the principles of
multiplication are the most simple and evident, to which we
can resort, for the demonstration of the binomial theorem.
These principles, therefore, will be used throughout the whole
of the following investigations on the subject, and by them.
every case of the theorem will be established.
 308 Mr. Robertson’s new Demonstration

It is well known to mathematicians that the theorem has

been repeatedly proved, either by induction, by the summa
tion of figurate numbers, by the doctrine of combinations,
by assumed series, or by fluxions; but that multiplication is a
more direct way to the establishment of the theorem than
any of these, cannot, I think, be doubted. Proceeding by
multiplication, we have always an evident first principle in
view, to which without the aid of any doctrine, foreign to the
subject, we can appeal for the truth of our assertions, and
the certainty and extent of our conclusions.
3. If p, q, be any two quantities, the product arising from
the multiplication of p by q is equal to the product arising
from the multiplication of q by p.” For magnitudes being to
one another as their equimultiples, px g : 1 × q: ; p : 1, and
qxp: 1 ×p :: q: 1. But 1 x q=q, and 1 x p-p, and there
fore, placing for ex aequali in a cross order,
px q : q : 1.
- qx p : p : 1.
Consequently, p x q: 1 :: q xp: 1, and therefore pg=qp.
Hence it follows that the product arising from the multi
plication of any number of quantities into one another, conti
nues the same in value, in every variation which may be
made in the arrangement of the quantities which compose it.
Thus p, q, r, s, being any quantities, pgrs=pgrx s = Spgra
spq x raterspa-rspx q=qrsp=qrx's X p-qrx p x s-qrps, &c.
And if r-i-a=p, r-H b-q, c-H c-r, r—Hd=s, r-He=t, &c.
then ac-Ha x r-Hb x 2+c x r—Hd x T-Fe-pqrst=z-Faxº-Fox
• When I speak of the multiplication of quantities into one another, I mean the
multiplication of the numbers into one another which measure those quantities.
 of the Binomial Theorem. - 309

z-Fºx z-Fºx2 +d=pgrts = any other arrangement which

can take place in the quantities. - -

4. It is evident that each of the quantities a, b, c, &c. will

be found the same number of times in the compound product
arising from al-Ha x r–H b x 4 + c x a-H d x a-He, &c. For
this product is equal to parst =pqrs x r-Fe = pºrt x z-F d=
pqst xz-FG=prst x2+b=qrst x-r-Fa, by substituting for the
compound quantities, a +a, z-Hb, &c. their equals p, q, &c.
Wherefore, in the compound product, each of the quantities.
a, b, c, &c. will be found multiplied into the products of all the
others.

5. These things being premised, we may poceed to the

multiplication of the compound quantities r-Ha, r-Hb, a + c,
&c. into one another; and in order to be as clear as possible
in what follows, let us consider the sum of the quantities, a,
b, c, &c. or the sum of any number of them multiplied into
one another, as coefficients to the several powers of ar, which
arise in the multiplication. By considering products which
contain the same number of the quantities a, b, c, &c. as ho
mologous, the multiplication will appear as follows, and
equations of various dimensions will arise, according to the
powers of z.
31o Mr. Robertson's new Demonstration

z +a=p
JC +b=q

**
#}r +ab=pû; - -

a quadratic equation, or an equation of

two dimensions.
-

a +c=r
a'+a i +ab
+b #1"--ac
+c J -Hbc
}: +abc=pqr; a cubic, or an equation of three
dimensions.
z - d-s
a"+an +ab
+blº-Fac +abe
#. #.
+bd
*f; a +abcd=pgrs; a biquadratic, or an
+bcd equation of four di
+cal mensions.

a +e=t
2'-Fal +abn +aben
+b | +ac | +abd
+c X-r"+ be +acd
+d +ad| +bcd f:
+e J +ca
+bd!…+a ace ºf:
[* +-be +a bcde =
r-Fabcde barst: a
= parst; sur
+ae | + bee +-acde solid, or an equation of
+bcde five dimensions.
+ be + ade
+ ce | + bale
+-de-J -H cale
&c.

6. From the above it appears, that the coefficient of the

highest power of r in any equation is 1; but the coefficient of
any other power of r in the same equation consists of a cer
tain number of members, each of which contains one, two,
three, &c. of the quantities a, b, c, &c. Thus the coefficient of
 of the Binomial Theorem. 311

the second term of any equation is made up of members, each

of which contains only one of the quantities a, b, c, &c. and
the whole coefficient of the second term is the sum of all
these members, or the sum of all the quantities a, b, c, &c.
used in the multiplication by which the equation, under consi–
deration, was produced. Thus in the equation of four dimen
sions, the whole coefficient of the second term is a-Hb-Hc-Hal,
and a, b, c, d, were used in the multiplication in obtaining the
equation. The coefficient of the third term, of any equation,
is made up of members, each of which contains two of the
quantities a, b, c, &c. used in the multiplication in obtaining
the equation. Thus in the equation of four dimensions, the
whole coefficient of the third term is ab + ac-H be + ad-H bal
+ cd. And indeed, not only from inspection, but also from
considering the manner in which the equations are generated,
it is evident that each member of any coefficient has as many
of the quantities a, b, c, &c. in it, as there are terms in the
equation preceding the term to which the coefficient belongs.
Thus each member of the coefficient in the second term of
any equation is one quantity only, and only one term precedes
the second term. Each member of the coefficient in the third
term, of any equation, consists of two quantities, and two
terms precede the third, &c.
7. When any equation is multiplied in order to produce the
equation next above it, it is evident that the multiplication by
r produces a part in the equation to be obtained, which has
the same coefficients as the equation multiplied. Thus, mul
tiplying the equation of three dimensions by a we obtain that
part of the equation of four dimensions which has the same
MDCCCVI. SS
312 Mr. Robertson's new Demonstration

coefficients as the cubic: the only effect of this multiplication

being the increase of the exponents of a by 1.
8. But when the same equation is multiplied by the quan
tity adjoined to a by the sign +, each term of the product, in
order to rank under the same power of r, must be drawn
one term back. Thus when the first term of the cubic is mul
tiplied by d, the product must be placed in the second term of
the biquadratic. When the second term of the cubic is multi
plied by d, the product must be placed in the third term of
the biquadratic: and so of others. -

9. As the equation last produced is the product of all the

compound quantities w-Ha, ar-i-b, r +c, &c. into one another,
and as it was proved in the fourth article that each of the
quantities a, b, c, &c. must be found the same number of times
in this product, if we can compute the number of times any
one of those quantities enters into the coefficient of any term
of the last equation, we shall then know how often each of
the other enters into the same coefficient: and this may be
done with ease, if of the quantities a, b, c, &c. we fix upon
that used in the last multiplication. For the last equation,
and indeed any other, may be considered as made up of two
parts; the first part being the equation immediately before
the last multiplied by c, according to the 7th article, and the
second part being the same equation multiplied by the quan
tity adjoined to r by the sign +, last used in the multiplication,
according to the 8th article. This last used quantity, therefore,
never enters into the members of the coefficient of the first
of these two parts, but it enters into all the members of the
coefficients of the last of them. But that part into which it
 of the Binomial Theorem. 313

does not enter has the same members as the coefficients of

the equation immediately before the last, by the 7th article;
and when the members of the first part are multiplied by the
last used quantity, the product becomes the second part of
the whole coefficient above mentioned.
Thus the first part of the cubic equation, by the 7th article
- arº-1-a
1S, +
+b
}r-Fair, -

and as these coefficients are the same as

the coefficients in the quadratic equation, being multiplied by

c, and arranged according to the 8th article, we have the co
efficients of the second part of the cubic, viz. c-Hac
+ ..+ abc.

Hence it is evident, that there are as many members in any

coefficient, which have the last used quantity in them, as
there are members in the coefficient preceding, which have
not the same quantity. Thus in the 3d term, in the equation
of four dimensions, there are three members of the whole
coefficient of r" which have d in them, viz. ad, bd, ca, and
there are three members of the whole coefficient of a 'in the
second term, which have not d in them, viz. a, b, c. In the
fourth term of the same equation, there are three members of
the whole coefficient of z, which have d in them, viz. abd,
acd, bed, and there are three members of the whole coefficient
of r in the third term which have not d in them, viz. ab, ac,
bc. Now as it has been proved that each of the quantities a,
b, c, &c. enters the same number of times into the coefficient
of the same term, what has here been proved of the last used
is applicable to each.
1o. From the last article the number of members in the
several coefficients of any equation may be determined. For
Ss 2
314 Mr. Robertson’s new Demonstration

if we put s= the number of times each quantity is found in a

coefficient, n= the number of quantities a, b, c, &c. used in
producing the equation, and p- the number of quantities in
each member; then as a is found s times in this coefficient, b
is found s times in this coefficient, &c. the number of quan
tities in this coefficient, with their repetitions, will be sixn; and
as p expresses the number of quantities requisite for each
member, the number of members in the coefficient will be #.
Thus, for the sake of illustration, if we limit the above no
tation to the second term of the equation of five dimensions,
s=1, as each of the quantities a, b, c, &c. is found once in the
whole coefficient of c'; pi 1, as each member consists of one
quantity, and n=5, as a, b, c, d, e are used in producing the
equation. Consequently # =5. If we limit the above nota
tion to the third term of the same equation, s-4, p=2, and
n=5, and therefore # = 1 o. If we limit the above notation
to the fourth term of the same equation, s-6, p=3, and n=5,
and ; =1o. If we limit the above notation to the fifth term

of the same equation, s-4, p=4, and n=5, and ; =5.

11. Using the same notation, we can by the last two
articles, calculate the number of members in the next coeffi
cient after that whose number of members is #. For as #
expresses the number of members in the above mentioned
coefficient, and s the number of times each quantity is found
in it, # —s= the number of times each is not found in it. By
the 9th article therefore, a will be found ; —s times, b will
be found ; —s times, &c. in the next coefficient, and there

fore #– S X 71 E*** =- the number of quantities, with

 of the Binomial Theorem. 315

their repetitions, in it. But as the number of quantities in

each member of a coefficient is 1 less than the number in each
member of the coefficient next following, each member of
the coefficient whose number of members we are now calcu

lating will have in it p-H1 number of quantities. Consequently

*=tº-:
px;p-H 1. p
x+*
p-H I
= the number of members of the coeffi
-

cient next after that whose number of members is #, as in

the last article. -

12. It is evident, from the sixth article, that the value of

p in the second term of any equation is 1 ; in the third term
of any equation its value is 2; in the fourth term of any equa
tion it is 3, &c. It is also evident that the number of members
of the coefficient of the second term of any equation is n; for
the whole coefficient is the sum of all the quantities a, b, c, &c.
used in producing the equation. It therefore follows that the
s??

general expression 7 x #. obtained in the last article, enables

-

us to ascertain the number of members in the coefficient of

any term in an equation. For the number of members of the
coefficient in the second term being n, according to the suc
cessive values of p the number of members in the third term
is n. ++; in the fourth term it is n . *H º ;
- in the fifth
term it is n .*.*. H. n—3
; and this regular form may be
extended to express the number of members in the coefficient
of any term whatever. -

13. The binomial theorem, as far as it relates to the raising

of integral powers, easily follows from the foregoing articles.
For if all the quantities a, b, c, &c. used in the multiplication
in the fifth article, be equal to one another, and consequently
316 Mr. Robertson's new Demonstration

each equal to a, each of the members in any coefficient will

become a power of a; and, therefore, as the exponent of r in
the first term is equal to n, it follows from the sixth and last
71 - I 71-3

articles that z-Fal’=r"+nar"T"--n .*Ha'a"T*-ī-n. 2 3

71- 71-I ºt-2 71- ??
a r"---n tº .*.*.*** *+ &c. • ,

14. If equations be generated from r—a. a-5.2-c.c.—d,

&c. the coefficients will be the same, excepting the signs, as
those which result from 2-Fa. Z-F5. T-Ec. 2-Ed, &c. in the
fifth article; and as minus multiplied into minus gives plus,
but minus multiplied into minus multiplied into minus gives
minus, the coefficients in equations generated from z-a.
T-5. F.T.Ed, &c. whose members have each an even
number of the quantities a, b, c, &c. will have the sign +,
but coefficients whose members have each an odd number of
the quantities a, b, c, &c. will have the sign —. And hence it
- - - ſt-I 71 - I M-2 71 - I

is evident that r—al’=r"—naa"T"--n . Ha'a"T’—n. 2 -

7t-2 .3 , it—3
-
n - I n-2 m-3 (4 ...m.-4:
77 . — . — . — a 1: &
' - ÖCC.
= a +"Tº-Fn. H. H.-: - - - - n
-

15. By the general principles of involution a-Fbl’=a"x

1+ #|=rk 1-Ha!", by putting c- #. By article 13, 1-Erl"
- I -2
=1+n++n. H r-Hn. H. "+++n.” .# .*. a" +
- - - -

- - - 777 - I -

&c. and by the same article 1--al"=1--ma-Fm. *= r^+m.

*::..t=f-r'+m.**i. “F*.*F3 cº-H &c. But by the ge
2 3 2 3 4. —ºn -,n
neral principles of involution, and article 13, 1+2" x 1-Hai
- - - —I - M + m- 1
-1 +."+"=1+n+m r-En-Fm. lit. a'-i-n-Hm. H.
titº-: *-i-n-Fm. tºti. titº.
3 2
**a*-i
4.
- &c. when n
and m are whole numbers.
 of the Binomial Theorem. 317

Hence it is evident that if the series equal to TFT" be

multiplied by the series equal to T-Fºrl", the product must be
equal to the series which is equal to T-Fºl"+". Now the two
first mentioned series being multiplied into one another, and
the parts being arranged according to the powers of v, the
several products will stand as in the following representation.
TFT-1+ nr-- n. *Fir-H n. *-*. ++++n.*.*. +...+ x'+ &C.
1+al"=1 +m2 +m .*Fir-Fm.*** +++m *:: .* +. a"+ &c. - - -

1+ nr-H n. *trº-H n. *.*a*4 n.4+. *.*.*.*4. &c.

2 2 3 2 3

..." *** -"Et r"

ma-i- m. na"--m. n. *=
* * x'+m.
º
n. ++. 3 z'-H &c.
-
-- -
- 171-1 m-1 171-i-m-i
777 . x'+m. . na'+m . , nº. +- cº-H &c.
** * **, ºr * *º-ººrºº
- m-1 m-2 .3 777- I 777-2 ~4

.. m. H. H. a'4-m. * 3 . na”-- &c.

For the sake of reference hereafter let this be called
multiplication A.
Now with respect to the coefficients prefixed to the several
powers of r, in the foregoing multiplication, two observations
are to be made, by means of which the demonstration of the
theorem may be extended to fractional exponents.
In the first place, supposing n and m to be whole numbers,
the sum of the coefficients prefixed to any individual power
of ar, in multiplication A, must be equal to the coefficient pre
fixed to the same power of win the binomialseries 1+n+ma:
+n+m . *:::= ac'-- n+m . ***-*
2
. ++++ n+m .
* . ºrf- H a"-- &c. - The certainty of this cir
cumstance rests partly on the 13th article, and partly on a -
318 Mr. Robertson's new Demonstration

plain axiom, viz. that equals being multiplied by equals the

products are equal.
In the second place it is to be observed, that the whole
coefficient of any power of r, in the products of multiplication
A, may be reduced to the regular binomial form, established
- - 11 - I

in the 13th article. Thus n : ++mn+m. *= , the whole

coefficient of cº, by actual multiplication becomes
n” *—-2mn-n-m 71 -- ??? - I zº-I 71-2

tittº-tº-n-Fm.***'. Also n. H. # 4-mn.

11-1 - I 7?! - I 771-2 -

2 +m. *H. n+m.*H-. +, the whole coefficient of

n°4-m?–3n°–3m*-ī-3n” m
a', by actual multiplication becomes → +
3m” n–6mn-H2n+2m n+ m - I 71-H m-2
6 = n+m ==
-

,= And from the

preceding observation it is evident, that we may in the same
manner, reduce the whole coefficient of any other power of
z, in the products of multiplication A to the regular binomial
form.

16. But in proceeding, as above, to change the form of the

coefficients prefixed to any power of c, in multiplication A,
into the regular binomial form, we are not under the necessity
of supposing n and m to be whole numbers. The actual mul
tiplications will end in the same powers of n and m, the same
combinations of them, and the same numerals, whether we
consider n and m as whole numbers or as fractions.

We are therefore at liberty to suppose n and m to be any

two fractions whatever, in the two series multiplied into one
another in multiplication A, and the same two fractions will
take the place of n and m respectively in the regular binomial
- - -- n + m—1 -- n+m– 1 n+m-2
series 1+n+ma-i-n-Hm. – ++n+m.<++...+++’
 of the Binomial Theorem. 319

+n+m. tººl. +. -tº- rº-H &c. which expresses

the product of the two series into one another.
17. If therefore r be any positive whole number we can
- * . - - - - I I +
r – º - , -z –
raise the binomial series 1+++++. H-r ++, −,
l I I
- -2
r 3 a'++. - -I
r 2 ”
- -2
r 3 *
- -
r 4. a"-H &c. to any proposed

power by successive multiplications; or we can express any

power of it by supposing the multiplications actually to have
been gone through. Thus, calling the last mentioned series
the root, if it be multiplied by itself, and if the coefficients in
the product be expressed in the regular binomial form, its
2 2 2
- -I -- I - -2
- 2

square will be 1++++++++++...++...+ x'+

2 2 2

, +-
-
+ -2 +–3 4. ~ : - - -

#.--------|-r'+&c. Agrin, if this series be mul

tiplied by the root, and the coefficients in the product be ex
pressed in the regular binomial form, the cube of the root
. 3 3 + - I - +–2 3 +
3 # -I - I

will be 1++ x++. 2 r-H+...+...+++++-.

+ —a 4–3
H-. -- a-- &c. Proceeding thus, by multiplying the
last found power by the root, in order to find the next higher
I r
- - I - - I
r

power, the nth power of 1+ + ac-H + . ––a'-- + H-.

- - 2 - - i. - -2 -- — 3
r *-i- + + r . r 4. - * _*.
Ha!------------, zº-H &c. is 1+++ + H+.
n n 7t ?? 71

+—
- - -
, +-
-
+–2 3 ,
-
+-
- -
7-–2 -
+–3 4.

7–3. F-...-H...-----------. — a +
&c.
MDCCCVI, Tt
320 Mr. Robertson’s new Demonstration º

18. If in the series, which concludes the last article, n be

equal to r, the whole series becomes equal to 1-Ha!. For in
77
- - I
r
this case + =1, and ºtherefore = o, and consequently
2

every term in the series, after the second, becomes equal to o,

or vanishes.

Hence it is evident that the rth root of 1+x, or, which is

- - I
r

the same thing, that TF7–1+ +++ +. -- a--- + -

i I I I I
- - i. - -2 - - I - - 2 - -
r r 3. I r r r 4. - -
-
2 Ha'++...+...+...+ a"-- &c. for this se
ries being raised to the rth power becomes equal to 1-1-1.
As by the general principles of involution the nth power of

T-Fºl" is 1+xl", it therefore follows, from the last observa

- w

tion and the preceding article, that 1-Fal ' =1+ + a-H + -

7t 7t n ºt ??
- - I -- I - - -2 -- I - -2 - -3
r 71 r r + + r r 4.

2 r-H+.--. 3 a'+ r 2 3 ° 4 a" +

&c.

19. By the general principles of involution a-bi"=a"x

1 - #|=a'x1Fºr , by putting re- #. By article 14, n being
-in m-1 …, n- I n–2 ..s
whole number, 1—rl"=1—na--n. “H r—n. “H. H a
3.

+n. H2 . *.*.*a*—
3. 4. &c. and by the same article, m being
–in m-1 as 7m- I
a whole number, 1–al"= 1 — ma' + m . *-772 . 2

****4-m. *H-. “F*.*.*— &c. But by the general

principlesofinvolution, and article 14,1-alki-tſ"=1--"+"
 of the Binomial Theorem. 321

—1–7T, LTTE *-tº-: *

=1-n +m2 +n+m . *= a –n+m. **m-. . n-tº-2
3
rº 2. -

+n+m. tºti. ity. +++ -&c. -

Hence it is evident that if the series equal to 1–2" be

multiplied by the series equal to 1–2", the product must be
equal to the series, which is equal to T-pl"+". Now the two
first mentioned series being multiplied into one another, and
the parts being arranged according to the powers of r, the
several products will stand as in the following representation.
-.” n-1 ...,
1—rl"-1—nz-Hn. + r—n. +.
n-1
=x'+n.-H...+...+
n–2 .3 n—I n–2
x
n—3 .4
&c.
— "— *— m-1 m—2 .3
777-i m—1 m—2 m—3 "—
-

1—al"=1—mw-Hm.*a*—m.
-

*. +++m.*H.
-

H -- a &c.

n-1 ... n—I n-2 3 m-1 n–2 n–3 p.4

1-na-n. :-r—n.----, a'+n. ++. F.— a &c.
zº-I 71 - 1 21 - 2
—ma-Hm. na’—m. n. *H r"+m.n. 2
—– a"— &c.
771 - I 777-1 ,3 777 - I 7t-I *—
m.—a’—m. = . na'+m. *-*. n. *= a &c.
m—I m-2 as 1n-I m-2 *—
—m. --...-H a +m. P-----na &c.

For the sake of reference hereafter let this be called

multiplication B.º. nº ** : tº
Now for the same reasons, as are stated in the 15th and
16th articles, the whole coefficient prefixed to any power of
a in multiplication B, must be equal to the coefficient prefixed
to the same power of r in the series 1–m-Hna-Him-i-n.
*:::= a"— m+n. tº:- at- a'+m-Fn. *:::= *i;
- -
n-2

- rt:- a'— &c.; and we are also at liberty to suppose n and

m to be any two fractions whatever, in the series multiplied
into one another, and consequently in the series expressing
their product. -

Tt 2
 322 Mr. Robertson’s new Demonstration

Proceeding therefore as in the 17th and 18th articles, and

l

- - - ?- I I r i.

using the same notation, 1–2 =1— + r-H+. --z"—-

I i i I

+–1 +–2
- tº -
, +-
- -
+–2 +–3 -

..+...+-r'++...+...+...+-a"— &c. zz 7t 7t 7t

—r
—F , +- +-- . 7t , --
Also 1-4: '= 1– -
-1– - - - 1:*- - -
4 x++...+-r—#.--. =r
zz 7t

, +- + -2 +–3
++.
r
--.
2 3
-

4.
a"— &c.

20. It is easily proved, by means of the 15th and 16th

articles, that
-im 777-I m-1 m-2 ...; m-1 m—2 m—3 ...,
1+ al" 1+mr-Fm. *a*4 m. H. =r'+m.* ..+...+ x'+ &c.
Or
I-Lº' n-1 .. m—I n–2 ...; n—I n–2 n—3 as
++ 1+ nr-H n. *a*--n + . =r'+n.<= , = , = "+ &c.
- - - - m—n–I -

is equal to the series 1+m—nr-i-m-n. H a”--m—n .

???-??-I m-n–2 .3 - 777-71-1 ???-??-2 m—n-3 A.

:---- rº-Hm—n. —— . 3 4 a"+ &c

whether m and n be whole numbers or fractions. For v being
- - -I
equal to m—n, this last series becomes 1+va-Hv. H. a'+v.
v- 1 v-2 , , v–1 v–2 v-3 - - - -

===a+v ----- . Hºr-- &c.; and this series being

- - pt-i rt-I ºt-2 n-i ſt-l
multiplied by 1--nr-Fn. “F r+n. “F*. 3 a’+n. “E.
2 3
m—3
4. *-i- &c. the series expressing their product, by the 15th
- - - -T- v-H n—1 - U + n-1
and 16th articles, is 1+v-Enr-Hv-Hn. +++++v-Hn. +
.*H ++7-F. H. H...-H...--&c. But as
v is equal to m—n, this last series is equal to 1-1-ma-Hm.
m-1 .2 m-1 m–2 ,g m—1 m—2 m—3
2 a'4-m. 2 ” 3 a’+m. 2 3 4 a^+ &c.
IT."
Hence it is evident that HF is equal to 1-Hm—na-Fm —n
I + r.
 of the Binomial Theorem, 323
mi-x-1 * 7m-n-I m-n-2 .3 - m.-M-1 171-71-2

F: a*-i-m-n +: .—H a'+m—n. ++. 3

- ++++ &c.; and as this equation holds in every pos

sible value of m, and as, by the general principles of involution
1+rl' is equal to 1, when m is equal to o then HF. Or
I +x
T-Pºl""—
1+ r = 1 -77.1'-72 .
-n-I as
J. 71.
-11-1
2 *
-n-2 .3
3 º 7! .
-?? - I
2

== == a"— &c.
-

According to the form of the binomial series, the whole of

the second, fourth, sixth, &c. terms in the last series consist
of an odd number of negative parts multiplied into one
another, and therefore each of these terms becomes a nega
tive quantity. But the whole of the third, fifth, seventh, &c.
terms, consist of an even number of negative parts multiplied
into one another, and therefore each of these terms becomes

a positive quantity. Consequently, T-Fºi"=1—nr-Fn. H &

n+ 1 m+2 -3 n+ 1 m + 2 m +3 .4
n .-:
-71 --- - 3 1"-H-77 . --
2 . -3 .-+ 4. Jº"— &c
CCC.

a 1. By the 19th article we are enabled

*-i- ------
to prove that
T-- ???-I º m—3
7m-I-701-2 - 3. 777-1 - 777-2

1–r" 14-m.—r-Fm. Hºr-Fm. H. H. 3 +m.45 .----- a"+ &c.

Or

1-al" 1.-H. m .-r-Hn .**a--- n . tº: 3 º' —a'+n.:

.*-2 2
. tº
3
º
-
.** a"+&c.
-

º
m—n-1 -

is equal to the series 1+m—n . -a-Hm—n. + a”--m—n

171-71 - I ???-??-2 3_1_º|Tº ul-º'-1 nº-º-º- ºr-3 as
- 2 .—r'+m—n.—H.
* 3 3 + -

&c. For, as in the preceding article, if this last series be mul

tiplied by 1--n.—a-Hn. “Ha*-i-n. H. H.
3 —a'+n. *-*. 2 2

*H: .#1'-- &c. the series expressing the product will be

rº- º m-1 777 - 1 177 - 2 g 171 - I

1+m.—t-Fm.-H+++m.--...-H...-a, +m. -t-.

324. Mr. Robertson's new Demonstration

- -y- , -
++ +++ a'+ &c.
-
-

- Consequently as # = 1 +m—n .
I - ºr

777-?? - I m?-?? - I ???-?t-2

— r-Hºm—n. *-Hm—n. 2 - 3 . —a'+m —n
79?-?? - In ºt-7t---2 *—tia"
2 ” 3 4. + &c. in every possible value of
- - i
m, it follows that when m is equal to o, then 1-ri or TT"
1—rl"

=1—n.—r—n ++++-n. F.--t.

3
—a'—n. ==i-.- 2 2

-??-2 - ??
++. Fººt3a'— &c.
3 4.

The form of this series, however, may be changed into one

more convenient. For the whole of the second, fourth, sixth,
&c. terms consist of an even number of negative parts multi
plied into one another, and therefore each of these terms
becomes a positive quantity. And as the coefficients of the
third, fifth, seventh, &c. terms consist of an even number of
negative parts multiplied into one another, and as in these.
terms the powers of w are positive, each of these terms be
comes a positive quantity. Consequently T-ſi-"=1+n++
71. .*H ++-n .*.*.*#4'4-n .#1.*.*.*.*** &c. -

Every particular necessary for the establishment of the

binomial theorem has now been proved. I therefore proceed
to conclude the subject, by shewing that each of the four
forms, in which the theorem may be expressed, immediately
follows from the preceding articles, and the general principles
of involution. In each of them n is to be considered either
as a whole number or fraction.

22. By article 18, 1+2"–1+n++n. “Ha'--n, tº .tºr'

3 2

+ n : +...+,+,+ &c. m— I m—2 n-3

But if + be equal to a, then
 of the Binomial Theorem. . 325

- b " -Tºn - - - " - -

- arx-Hº =a+b", by the general principles of involution;

"—a”. . b n— 1 bº 71 - I 71-2
º therefore a-Fbl’=a"x: 1+n++n.<=# +n. = +.
3. –1 n-2 m— 3 b% - - -

# +n. H. H. H.; +&c. =a+nba"+n. Hº dº."

7t- I ºt- - - - - -

+n. “H. "Hºb"a"T"--n. H." *.*, *." * + &c. 3 2 3

B i Trl'— - ?? - I *— 21 — I ??-2 .3
y article 19, 1–al’=1—na-Fn. “H r—n. H. 3 r’+
n—I n-2 m-3 .4 ... b
7! .
2 3
...tº
-

4.
r"— &c. and therefore as before, if +be equal
to r, a-5'-a'-nba"T"--n. Hiba"T’—n. H .*Hººd"'4.
n . 11-1
2
n-2 m-3 p.4 m-4
*-*...*=:...
3 tº
4. 4 bºa"T*— &c.
C

- Tj-n_ n+ I -2 n+1 n-2 a.s.

By article 20, 1+z-"=1—nz+n.<++’—n.*.*.*.*.*
... b
+n. H. tit.
3 *:: a'— &c. and therefore if # be equal to r,
2

b|-n_ b n+1 bº n+1 n+2 b” n+ 1 m+2

1++. =1-n ++n. == — ..+,+++n. 2 3
7t b% - - - -

- # # — &c. But by the general principles of involution

I —ſ . -?! --- 71 --?!
# =a x 1++. =a+b "; and therefore a-i-bl =
exi++. 4.

-*_ -??-I ºl-F I he a-n-2 n+1 *-H2 3 *-m-3

a T"—mba +n.***b a n.----, b’ a +n.
*#1.”itz. "t 3 bºat-"T4— &c.
2 3 4. .*

T-I-n_
By article 21, 1—alT"=1+n++n. Ha!-Hn. ++. +
- n+ 1 n+1 n+2
wº
... b
+n .*H .*.*.*.*. *-i- &c.; and therefore if + be equal to r,
bT" b n+1 bº n+1 n+2 b" n+1 m+ 2
1 : =1+n++n. “H .-----, n.-----
b4 - - - -

- *H #+&c. But by the general principles of involution

I
**
E4
*7t
X 1- # =a-ET"; and thereforea-5 =
T” — - --/?

rxi-H 4.
326 Mr. Robertson’s new Demonstration, &c,

a "+nba "T"--n. H. b. a "T"--n. H. *# b' a "T"-i-n.

2

n+ 1 *#35° —n–4+
m+2
— , — . — D’ (l &c.
2 3 4.

The four forms expressed in this article include the whole

of the binomial theorem.