Stomachion puzzle
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Stomachion puzzle
Stomachion puzzle. This mathematical puzzle is derived from a treatise written by the 3rd century BC Ancient Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes. The original manuscript (which used the spelling Ostomachion ) described the dissection of a square or rectangle into 14 pieces. These pieces can be arranged in different ways to form the square shown here (another example is shown in C007/6211). If rotations and reflections of the pieces are allowed, the number of possible combinations forming this square is 17, 152. First rediscovered in 1881 and developed since then, this is an example of the mathematical field of combinatorics
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Media ID 6333317
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1881 3rd Century Bc Antiquity Archimedes Archimedes Of Syracuse Classical Game Geometrical Geometry Mathematical Mathematics Problem Puzzle Palimpsest Rediscovered Stomachion
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Stomachion puzzle, a mathematical enigma derived from the ancient Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes' treatise. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, this intricate puzzle involves dissecting a square or rectangle into 14 distinct pieces. The image displays one possible arrangement of these pieces, forming a perfect square. With its origins in antiquity, the Stomachion puzzle has fascinated scholars and enthusiasts alike for centuries. Its rediscovery in 1881 sparked further development and exploration within the field of combinatorics – a branch of mathematics concerned with counting and arranging objects. The complexity of this classical game is highlighted by its staggering number of possible combinations when rotations and reflections are allowed: an astounding 17,152 variations can be formed using these fourteen pieces alone. Displayed as an artful illustration, this photograph not only captures the beauty of geometry but also symbolizes humanity's enduring fascination with problem-solving throughout history. It serves as a reminder that even ancient mathematical puzzles continue to captivate our minds today. This remarkable piece stands as both an homage to Archimedes' genius and a testament to the timeless allure of mathematics.
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