Instrument for squaring the circle, doubling the cube and trisecting an angle
Date
1700
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p2
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 391mm
width (page): 231mm
width (page): 231mm
Subject
Description
At the meeting on 8 May 1700, Robert Hooke read a paper by Du Verger, who claimed to solve the three classical problems on constructions using a ruler and compass only (squaring the circle, doubling the cube and trisecting an angle – all now known to be impossible). Du Verger (probably the same as the author Verger) of Nouvelle approximation de la Quadrature du Cercle (Nantes, 1692), suggested that curves, as shown here, created by instruments described in the subsequent pages, could help solve these problems.
This was entered into the Register Book (RBO/9/014).
This was entered into the Register Book (RBO/9/014).
Object history
8 May 1700, 'Dr Hook read a letter from Monsr Le L'Fevure, sent from Monsr Du Verger Gallo in Latin, concerning doubling the cube & squaring the circle; dated Rome April 11: 1700' (JBO/10/181).