R. Naphtali Hirsch begins with expressions of humility, stating that he has only written this small work because it is accepted wisdom and not a creative work. He has observed that many of our people do not know the rules of calculation nor do they wish to spend days and years on learning arithmetic. In truth it is appropriate for every intelligent person to know the rules of arithmetic, for it is necessary in all situations and particularly for people in business and to learn Torah for calculation in Mishnah and gemarra. This book enables everyone to learn on their own quickly without a teacher. Therefore, Naphtali Hirsch has entitled the book Naftali Ayalah Sheluhah, for just as a hind is swifter than other comparable creatures so too young men can swiftly move from sha’ar to sha’ar to learn in a short time frame. Also, early sages have written that whomever writes a book should give it a title that includes in it his name. Naphtali is in the title and Ayalah Sheluhah אילה שלוחה (395) has the numerical value of Isaiah Isaiah, the name of Naphtali Hirsch’s father. Naftali Ayalah Sheluhah is divided into chapters encompassing all the basic elements of arithmetic. The text is accompanied by several arithmetic tables.

מקום הדפוס בשער, בטעות: פיררא. הסכמות: ר' יוסף שמואל [ב"ר צבי הירש] מקראקא, פרנקפורט דמיין, ז מרחשון תנ"ט; ר' שמואל כהן שאטין, פראנקפורט דמיין, תנ"ט.