the education of the young gentlemen aboard is almost all a matter of trigonometry: even of algebra, Heaven preserve us.
In the book "The Ionian Mission" by Patrick O'Brian, there is a humorous reflection on the education received by young gentlemen at sea. It emphasizes the focus on mathematical subjects like trigonometry and algebra, suggesting that their curriculum is heavily leaning towards these complex topics. The exclamation “Heaven preserve us” indicates a lighthearted exasperation with the level of academia expected from them.
This quote provides insight into the challenges faced by...