- The Numbers of the Solar System and the Maya Long Count; Science in Ancient Artwork N�40, New Orleans, November 1995, 12pp.
- The Circle: Its System of Measurement; Science in Ancient Artwork N�41, 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 N�42, 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 N�43, New Orleans, 10 February 1996, 15pp.
- The Maya Long Count: Some Calculations; Science in Ancient Artwork N�44, New Orleans, 11 February 1996, 8pp.
- The Companion Numbers: The Ball Game; Science in Ancient Artwork N�45, 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 N�46, New Orleans, 1996.
- Fermat's Last Theorem and the Maya Long Count; Science in Ancient Artwork N�47, New Orleans, 1996.
- Fractals and the Maya Long Count; Science in Ancient Artwork N�48, New Orleans, 1996.
- Algebraic Reasoning in the Maya Long Count: the Positional Level Numbers; Science in Ancient Artwork N�49, New Orleans, 1996.
|