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- The Numbers of the Solar System and the Maya Long Count; Science
in Ancient Artwork Nš40, New Orleans, November 1995, 12pp.
- The Circle: Its System of Measurement; Science
in Ancient Artwork Nš41, New Orleans, 23 January 1996, 11pp.
Extract:
The 360-degree system of measurement employed in the circle consists
of two distinct forms os spatial division. The circle is first divided
in relation to the segment circle, and then into an 18-segment circle;
it is further divided into 36 segments of ten degrees and 72 segments
of five degrees. Once the 18-segment circle is achieved, then the
internal division based on the numerical progression of 2, 4, 8, 16,
32, 64..., is created. The 18-segment in relation to the 20-degree
integer intervals reflects a specific similarity to the logic of the
maya long count (360c). The author attempts to demonstrate how the
different divisions of space within a circle may have been obtained
with simply a straightedge and a compass.
- The Circle: A Division of Five; Science in
Ancient Artwork Nš42, New Orleans, 24 January 1996, 6pp.
Extract:
In the previous essay (Earth/matriX No. 41), we have seen how it
is possible to divide a circle into six parts, and even into 18 segments,
with the use of only a straightedge and compass.
Now, let us explore the possibility of dividing the circle into five
(5) equal parts in a similar manner, with only a straightedge and
a compass. Such an exercise, which was posed by Euclid of Alexandria
(ca. 330s BC) regarding the possibility of "squaring the circle",
appears to have been a logical one in the initial stages of learning
about geometry. Now that we take for granted the existence of different
systems of measurement, it may seem superfluous to entertain exercises
of this nature. However, their solution may point to ways of understanding
the nature of ancient artwork; its very design and conception. We
are still amazed and mystified by the achievements of ancient cultures.
Yet, a better understanding of the ancient methods of learning and
artistic expression may assist us in regaining some of the knowledge
that has been lost over time. The finished products of those ancient
societies are clearly visible, although the notebooks which may have
served as the basis for constructing the pyramids of Giza, or the
lines of Nazca, are obviously lost. However, a possibility exists
that we may be able to reconstruct that production of knowledge as
of an analysis and review of the finished products in an effort to
comprehend their internal logic.
- Numbers and Patterns; Science in Ancient Artwork Nš43, New
Orleans, 10 February 1996, 15pp.
- The Maya Long Count: Some Calculations; Science in Ancient
Artwork Nš44, New Orleans, 11 February 1996, 8pp.
- The Companion Numbers: The Ball Game; Science
in Ancient Artwork Nš45, New Orleans, 12 February 1996, 6pp.
Extract:
In this essay, the author explores the possible relationships between
the maya companion numbers (1366560; 1385540) and the numbers of the
ancient Egyptian Sothic cycle (533265; 1066530). These historically
significant numbers appear to be related to numbers which also involve
the translation of the distinct day-count calendars (260c, 360c, and
365c) among themselves: 1066000. This particular number appears to
be very close (with a difference of only 530 days) to the total sum
of days of two Sothic cycles. By interpreting this particular number
onto a grid of squares, one observes a design which reassembles that
used for the layout of the sacred ball game courts in ancient Mesoamerica.
In this sense, the length of the ball court would be roughly the equivalent
to four Sothic cycles (4 x 533265 = 2133060).
The author thus attempts to show a possible relationship between
the numbers of the ancient reckoning system and the designs of ancient
artwork. A strong case is made to illustrate the possibility that
many scholars have maintained for a long time, that the mathematics
of ancient science may have been translated into the geometry and
the art.
- The Maya Long Count: Mediato/Duplatio; Science in Ancient Artwork
Nš46, New Orleans, 1996.
- Fermat's Last Theorem and the Maya Long Count; Science in Ancient
Artwork Nš47, New Orleans, 1996.
- Fractals and the Maya Long Count; Science in Ancient Artwork
Nš48, New Orleans, 1996.
- Algebraic Reasoning in the Maya Long Count: the Positional Level
Numbers; Science in Ancient Artwork Nš49, New Orleans, 1996.
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