Post and Run

We got back from two weeks in Cornwall yesterday. I've got lots of things to blog about, such as go-karting (weeee!!!), the Eden Project and tapestries of Euclid at Cotehele House. I expected to be able to use the Wonders of Modern Technology to post a few times while I was away, unfortunately Modern Technology couldn't cope with the combination of poor quality mobile phone reception and blogger's post editor.

However, it will all have to wait at least a week. My next assignment for the History of Maths course has to be posted by next Saturday (I thought it was the Monday after), and I haven't read the course work yet. That means in the next six days, I have to read five weeks worth of material and write over 1000 words. Oh, and buy about six pairs of school shoes/trainers/football-boots which I'm actually dreading more.

(OTOH, I got top marks for my last assignment.)

Euler or Newton

I've spent the last week writing essays on the calculus after 1700 and on Newton's Principia. Let me tell you what I know:

On second thoughts, let's not...



PS the cherry plums are now very nice jam.

What I've been working on

1. 
   Consider the problem of doubling the cube. Explain what it is, and why it was important in the development of mathematics during Greek times.
   
   
   This is the assignemet due in a week next Monday. I'm finding it all really interesting, and we had a day school yesterday which was great. There are just so many ideas which come out of all the studying and the books. It's the connections between ideas, and also the way that human nature doesn't change. For instance in the eighteeneth century, wealthy yound men would go on the Grand Tour, and in classical times it is possible that Pythagorus and other wealthy young Greeks went on an edifying trip to Egypt and Babylonia.


2. 
   
   This is where I am with Isabella. No I haven't frogged it, I've finished the back and have started on the front - I'm using a new ball. What can I say about it? It's stocking stitch, and I'm pleased with my progress - watching Casino Royale last night helped.