Today's social and business conventions differ greatly from those of the post-American Revolutionary era, and teachers and parents may wish to put some of the attitudes depicted in Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, in historical context.

Early American society operated on a system of apprentice and master; young people often sacrificed their freedom by entering into several years of unpaid service to masters who agreed to teach them a trade. While this system often resulted in what would be considered grave injustices today, it was one of the few ways a young person could gain experience in the late eighteenth century. Understanding this system gives the reader a greater appreciation of Nathaniel Bowditch's achievements.

In the story, Nat at age twelve agrees to the apprentice-master arrangement by signing nine-year articles of indenture. For their part, Ropes and Hodges agree to teach him the business of providing material...