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Mathematics Department Logo


Mathematics Department Logo

"A theorem novel for Euclidean geometry was discovered in 1899 by Frank Morley, professor of mathematics at Johns Hopkins University, and proofs were subsequently published by many men [For a proof and references to published proofs see H S M Coxeter, An Introduction to Geometry, John Wiley and Sons, 1961 (S 3 COX), pp.23-25]. The theorem states that if the angle trisectors are drawn at each vertex of a triangle, adjacent trisectors meet at the vertices of an equilateral triangle (see figure). The novelty lies in the involvement of angle trisectors. Up to the middle of the nineteenth century no mathematician would have considered such lines because only those elements and figures that are constructible were regarded as having legitimacy in Euclidean geometry. Constructability guaranteed existence. However, the conception of what established existence changed as we shall see more clearly when we examine the work on the foundations of Euclidean geometry."

M Kline, Mathematical Thought from Ancient to Modern Times, Oxford University Press 1972 (S 0.9 KLI).

The version of the Logo seen above was constructed by a Maple work sheet on morley.mws. For more information, see morley1.htm.


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Last Updated: May 2004