Transcriber's Notes: Underscores "_" before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_ in the original text. Equals signs "=" before and after a word or phrase indicate =bold= in the original text. The carat symbol "^" is used to indicate a superscript. Small capitals have been converted to BLOCK capitals. Antiquated spellings have been preserved. Typographical errors have been silently corrected but other variations in spelling and punctuation remain unaltered. Answers are provided at the end of the book to numbered questions, however in the original text, numbers 237 to 241 were omitted for some reason. “LAUGH AND GROW FAT.” THE PUZZLE KING. AMUSING ARITHMETIC. BOOK-KEEPING BLUNDERS. COMMERCIAL COMICALITIES. CURIOUS “CATCHES.” PECULIAR PROBLEMS. PERPLEXING PARADOXES. QUAINT QUESTIONS. QUEER QUIBBLES. SCHOOL STORIES. INTERESTING ITEMS. Tricks with Figures, Cards, Draughts, Dice, Dominoes, Etc., Etc., Etc. By JOHN SCOTT, Author of “How to Become Quick at Figures,” “Doctrine of Chance,” “Tank Calculator,” “Cyanide Vat Calculator,” &c., &c. INSTRUCTIVE and AMUSING. Copyright. Brisbane, H. J. DIDDAMS & CO., Printers and Publishers, Elizabeth Street, MDCCCXCIX. PREFACE. A puzzle is not solved, impatient sirs, By peeping at its answer in a trice: When Gordius, the ploughboy King of Phrygia, Tied up his implements of husbandry In the far-famed knot, rash Alexander Did not undo by cutting it in twain. It is hoped that this little book may prove useful, not only in connection with puzzles for home amusement, but that by inducing people to consider the various difficulties met with in business and trade some at least may be led to greater success in dealing with the practical puzzles and problems of everyday life. It is the special desire of the author to produce a “sugar-coated mathematical pill,” as he feels convinced that many can more easily grasp the truth when it is put before them in a light manner than when brought forward in the usual orthodox fashion. No pains have been spared to make the PUZZLE KING the best of its kind yet produced, and the author here wishes to thank his many friends who have so kindly assisted him. It would be well-nigh impossible to individualize; but especial thanks are due to Thos. Finney, Esq., M.L.A. (Brisbane), for the interest he has manifested throughout, and the kindly help he has so often rendered the author.