AN ECHO FROM THE PAST
85. The following question is given and spelt exactly as it was contributed to a puzzle column by “John Hill, Gent.,” in 1760:—
“A vintner has 2 sorts of wine, viz. A and B, which if mixed in equal parts a flagon of mixed will cost 15 pence; but if they be mixed in a sesqui-alter proportion, as you should take two flagons of A as often as you take three of B, a flagon will cost 14 pence. Required the price of each wine singly.”
PROMISCUOUS CHARITY
86. A man met a beggar and gave him half the money he had in his pocket, and a shilling besides. Meeting another he gave him half of what was left and two shillings, and to a third, he gave half of the remainder and three shillings. This left a shilling in his pocket. How much had he at first?
87.
A young clerk wishes to start work at an office in the City on January 1st. He has two promising offers, one from A of £100 a year, with a yearly rise of £20, the other from B of £100 a year with a half-yearly rise of £5. Which should he accept, and why?