$db=new mysqli fails while $db=mysqli_connect succeeds in PHP/MySQL 5

[Linux NG/Lists <linuxnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From a php-general thread earlier:

  <?php
  $db=new mysqli('localhost','whil','secret','test');
  ?>

generates:

  Fatal error: Call to undefined function new mysqli() in index.php on
  line 24

while

  <?php
  $conn = mysqli_connect("localhost","whil","secret","test");
  echo 'conn good: '.$conn.' :very good indeed<br>';
  ?>

generates success:

  conn good: Object id #1 :very good indeed

The book I'm working with (PHP & MySQL Web Dev, Welling/Thompson) 
specifically defines the 'new mysqli' syntax. So I'm guessing I don't 
have something configured right?

Whil

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