Definition:Platonic Solid/Historical Note
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Historical Note on Platonic Solid
The platonic solids were all well-known to the ancient Greeks.
The compass and straightedge constructions of the Platonic solids forms the climax of Euclid's The Elements.
Some have suggested that to glorify the Platonic solids was its primary purpose.
Some sources suggest that the construction of the final two of these were the work of Theaetetus of Athens, while others suggest that Hippasus of Metapontum may have contributed.
Sources
- 1986: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers ... (previous) ... (next): $5$
- 1992: George F. Simmons: Calculus Gems ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {A}.4$: Euclid (flourished ca. $300$ B.C.)
- 1997: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $5$