Ruler & Compass

From the practical fundamentals to the more demanding, this pocket-sized book introduces the origins and basic principles of geometric constructions using ruler and compass, before going on to cover dozens of geometric constructions!

Since the earliest times mankind has employed the simple geometric forms of straight line and circle. Originally marked out by eye and later using a stretched cord, in time these came to be made with the simple tools of ruler and compass. This small book introduces the origins and basic principles of geometric constructions using ruler and compass, before going on to cover dozens of geometric constructions, from the practical fundamentals to the more demanding.

- Constructions for more than thirty regular polygons

- Introduces geometric construction using compasses alone and using rulers alone

- Explains why trisecting an angle is impossible using classical rules and how to trisect an angle anyway

- Highlights the relationship of geometric construction with many fundamental developments throughout the history of mathematics

Wooden Books was founded in 1999 by designer John Martineau near Hay-on-Wye. The aim was to produce a beautiful series of recycled books based on the classical philosophies, arts and sciences. Using the Beatrix Potter formula of text facing picture pages, and old-styles fonts, along with hand-drawn illustrations and 19th century engravings, the books are designed not to date. Small but stuffed with information. Eco friendly and educational. Big ideas in a tiny space. There are over 1,000,000 Wooden Books now in print worldwide and growing.