Henry Ernest Dudeney/Modern Puzzles/124 - Drawing a Straight Line

Modern Puzzles by Henry Ernest Dudeney: $124$

If we want to describe a circle we use an instrument that we call a pair of compasses,

but if we need a straight line we use no such instrument --

we employ a ruler or other straight edge.

In other words, we first seek a straight line to produce our required straight line,

which is equivalent to using a coin, saucer of other circular object to draw a circle.

Now, imagine yourself in such a position that you cannot obtain a straight edge --

not even a piece of thread.

Could you devise a simple instrument that would draw your straight line,

just as the compasses describe a circle?

It is an interesting question, but, of course, of no practical value.

We shall continue to use the straight edge.

1926: Henry Ernest Dudeney: Modern Puzzles ... (previous) ... (next): Geometrical Problems: Various Geometrical Puzzles: $124$. -- Drawing a Straight Line
1968: Henry Ernest Dudeney: 536 Puzzles & Curious Problems ... (previous) ... (next): Geometrical Problems: Plane Geometry Puzzles: $303$. Drawing a Straight Line