Magic Squares

by W.W. Rouse Ball

Magic Squares is a book written by W. W. Rouse Ball that explores the fascinating world of mathematical puzzles and games. In this book, Ball delves into the history and theory behind magic squares, which are grids of numbers that have the unique property of adding up to the same sum in all directions. The book begins with an introduction to the history of magic squares, tracing their origins back to ancient China and India. Ball then goes on to explain the different types of magic squares, including normal magic squares, pandiagonal magic squares, and magic squares with special properties. He also explores the various methods for constructing magic squares, such as the Siamese method and the knight's tour method.Throughout the book, Ball provides numerous examples and puzzles for readers to solve, as well as detailed explanations of the solutions. He also includes a chapter on the use of magic squares in art and literature, highlighting their appearance in works by Leonardo da Vinci, Lewis Carroll, and others.Overall, Magic Squares is a fascinating and engaging book that will appeal to anyone interested in mathematics, puzzles, or the history of science. Ball's clear and concise writing style, combined with his deep knowledge of the subject matter, make this book a must-read for anyone looking to explore the world of magic squares.THIS 30 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE Mathematical Recreations and Essays, by W. W. Rouse Ball. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1417921269.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 22, 2010

About the author

Walter William Rouse Ball, known as W. W. Rouse Ball (14 August 1850 – 4 April 1925), was a British mathematician, lawyer, and fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge from 1878 to 1905. He was also a keen amateur magician, and the founding president of the Cambridge Pentacle Club in 1919, one of the world's oldest magic societies.

Rouse Ball was educated at University College School, he entered Trinity College, Cambridge in 1870, where he became a scholar and the first winner of Smith's Prize. He gained his BA in 1874 as second Wrangler and then became a Fellow of Trinity in 1875, which he remained for the rest of his life.

He is buried at the Parish of the Ascension Burial Ground in Cambridge, and is commemorated in the naming of a small pavilion situated on Jesus Green in Cambridge. The Rouse Ball Professorship of Mathematics and the Rouse Ball Professorship at English Law, both held at Cambridge, were created in 1927 from a bequest by Rouse Ball.