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
p1
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 132mm
width (page): 222mm
width (page): 222mm
Subject
Content object
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 curve-drawing instruments, shown here, could help solve these problems. Isaac Newton's objections to it were read at the meeting of 24 July 1700.
Another version of this image is at RBO/9/015.
Another version of this image is at RBO/9/015.
Transcription
Instrumentum quo voluta continuis punctis describi potest.
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
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).
24 July 1700, 'A letter was read from Dr Sloane in answer to Mr Verger's letter concerning the describing of a spiral line &c in which was Mr Newton's repost concerning Mr Verger's papers: it was approved of' (JBO/10/193).
24 July 1700, 'A letter was read from Dr Sloane in answer to Mr Verger's letter concerning the describing of a spiral line &c in which was Mr Newton's repost concerning Mr Verger's papers: it was approved of' (JBO/10/193).
Associated place