Most textbooks in dynamics deal with the problem of simple harmonic motion when there is damping present proportional to the velocity; the solution in this case is exact. If, on the other hand, we prescribe damping proportional to the square of the velocity the solutions, in general, can not be evaluated in finite terms, and so we have to resort to approximations. Since approximations play such a leading role in many current problems in applied mathematics, I feel that familiarity with approximations is an essential part of the early training of a good applied mathematician, whether he wishes to be a theorist or a practical engineer. The subject should be broached early.