Doubling the cube
Date
4 September 1661
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p98
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 367mm
width (page): 229mm
width (page): 229mm
Subject
Description
Geometric diagram, with all straight lines and angles labelled, used to support Thomas Hobbes' proposal on how to double the cube.
In the accompanying text Hobbes states this can be done by finding two proportionals between two straight lines given. William Brouncker was asked to examine this proof, which he found erroneous.
In the accompanying text Hobbes states this can be done by finding two proportionals between two straight lines given. William Brouncker was asked to examine this proof, which he found erroneous.
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 4 September 1661, Sir Paul Neile brought in the paper, endorsed by the King, of Thomas Hobbes's proposal of how to double the cube: ‘A proposition of Mr. Hobbes for finding two mean proportionals between two strait lines given, was delivered to the Society by Sir Paul Neile from the king, indorsed with this majesty’s own hand, and was ordered to be registered; as was afterwards the answer to the problem, by lord viscount Brouncker’ (Birch 1:42).
The date on which this was entered in the Register Book is given as 1 October, probably to await Brouncker's refutation.
The date on which this was entered in the Register Book is given as 1 October, probably to await Brouncker's refutation.
Related fellows
Paul Neile (British) , Astronomer
William Brouncker, 2nd Viscount Brouncker of Lyons (1620 - 1684, British) , Mathematician
William Brouncker, 2nd Viscount Brouncker of Lyons (1620 - 1684, British) , Mathematician
Associated place