Problems from Another Time

Individual problems from throughout mathematics history, as well as articles that include problem sets for students.

A tree 100 units high is 200 units distant from a well; from this tree one monkey climbs down and goes to the well...
How high above the earth must a person be raised that he [or she] may see 1/3 of its surface?
Two men start walking at the same time and travel a distance. One is walking faster and completes the journey sooner. How fast did each man travel?
Discussion of 15th century French manuscript, with translation of its problems, including one with negative solutions
What will the diameter of a sphere be, when its volume and surface area are expressed by the same number?
A man has four creditors. To the first he owes 624 ducats; to the second, 546; to the third, 492; and to the fourth 368.
There is a log of precious wood 18 feet long whose bases are 5 feet and 2.5 feet in circumference. Into what lengths should the log be cut to trisect its volume?
A merchant gave a university 2,814 ducats on the understanding that he was to be paid back 618 ducats per year for 9 years, at the end of which the 2,814 ducats should be considered as paid.
A man bought a number of sheep for $225; 10 of them having died, he sold 4/5 of the remainder for the same cost and received$150 for them. How many did he buy?
A barrel has various holes in it. The fist hole empties the barrel in three days...