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Subjects:
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Mathematics
Geometry. Logic. Process skills. Spatial representations. Visualization. |
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Integrated/interdisciplinary approaches
Language arts. Literature. |
Resource Type:
Literature; Math and science background information. Media Type:
Internet resource.
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Abstract:
This Internet site contains a reproduction of the print version of the science fiction book, Flatland written by Edwin Abbott (). Flatland was written for laypersons and students of mathematics and geometry. The story explores the nature of space and dimension by imagining universes and characters that are composed of only one and two dimensions. These characters are unable to envision higher dimensions because such dimensions exist neither in their range of conception nor in their natural understandings. This situation mirrors man's inability to accurately conceive, save through conjecture, a fourth dimension.
The author works to expand the readers understanding of space time and dimension by rigorously examining the way in which creatures of lesser dimension would explore their world. One example of this exploration is contained in the observations that a two-dimensional square makes about a one-dimensional line: It seemed that this poor ignorant Monarch --as he called himself-- was persuaded that the Straight Line which he called his Kingdom, and in which he passed his existence, constituted the whole of the world, and indeed the whole of Space. Not being able either to move or to see, save in his Straight Line, he had no conception of anything out of it.
It should be noted that, written in a time when popular belief held to many stereotypes and biases against women, the book propagates as well as satirizes many of the biases and stereotypes of the time. Abstracted 11/01. (Author/AMS) |
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Table of Contents:
Title Page
Preface
Part 1. This world
1. Of the nature of Flatland
2. Of the climate and houses in Flatland
3. Concerning the inhabitants of Flatland
4. Concerning the women
5. Of our methods in recognizing one another
6. Of recognition by sight
7. Concerning irregular figures
8. Of the ancient practice of painting
9. Of the universal colour bill
10. Of the suppression of the chromatic sedition
11. Concerning our priests
12. Of the doctrine of our priests
Part 2. Other worlds
13. How I had a vision of Lineland
14. How I vainly tried to explain the nature of Flatland
15. Concerning a stranger from Spaceland
16. How the Stranger vainly endeavoured to reveal to me in words the mysteries of Spaceland
17. How the Sphere, having in vain tried words, resorted to deeds
18. How I came to Spaceland and what I saw there
19. How, though the Sphere shewed me other mysteries of Spaceland, I still desired more, and what came of it
20. How the Sphere encouraged me in a vision
21. How I tried to teach the Theory of Three Dimensions to to my grandson, and with what success
22. How I then tried to diffuse the Theory of Three Dimensions by other means, and of the result
Footnotes
Reviews and Awards:
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Eisenhower National Clearinghouse. (2002). Mathematics and science across the curriculum. ENC Focus, 09(02).
Learn more about this source of information.
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User Comments:
Publisher:
downlode.org
Notes:
This electronic document is the Etext Library archived version of the second and revised edition text (published [by Seeley, in London, England] in 1884), maintained by and stored on the Downlode.org website.
Contributor(s):
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Author: Edwin A Abbott. |
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Content Provider: Aloysius West. |
Record Created: 11/29/2001; Last Modified: 04/20/2004;
© 2001-
2004 ENC. All information in this catalog record was verified and accurate when it was first made available to the public. ENC updates catalog records when resources are featured in special projects or when we learn that the information in the record is out of date.
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