Collection of mathematical examinations given to students at Cambridge, assembled by W.H. Besant during his years as a fellow of St. John's College. The exams are from the first through third years of the Cambridge Mathematical Tripos from 1847-1859. Comprises 180 exams (1-2 leaves each) covering a wide range of topics: arithmetic and algebra (7); algebra (6); trigonometry (8); equations and problems (7); trigonometrical problems (8); conic sections and algebraic geometry (7); geometrical problems (8); mechanics (13); Newton sections I, II, III (9); hydrostatics (15); Newton sections IX, XI (4); theory of equations (8); Newton problems (8); optics (13); differential and integral calculus (7); geometry of three dimensions (3); solid geometry, differential equations, and finite difference (4); dynamics and lunar theory (9); astronomy (5); spherical trigonometry and astronomy (1); problems in astronomy and dynamics (8); and, miscellaneous propositions (5). Many of the exams have "W.H. Besant" handwritten at the top; others have different names, including Isaac Todhunter, Thomas Bond Sprague, Robert Baldwin Hayward, and Stephen Parkinson.