/sci/ - Science & Math

"Number 85"

"This is a group of cursive hieroglyphic signs, written upside down on the back of the papyrus. It has been suggested that the scribe was merely trying his pen (see Peet, page 128). Eisenlohr attempted to give a meaning to the group, calling it a "Motto," and translating it somewhat as follows:

'Kill vermin, mice, fresh weeds, numerous spiders. Pray the god Re for warmth, wind and high water.'

Gunn, however, claims (Page 136) taht we have here an early example of the so-called enigmatic writing, and gives as a a tentative translation, [this is the one Chace repeats in his volume on the original Egyptian]:

...

...

'Interpret this strange matter, which the scribe wrote ... according to what he knew.' "

A deeply poignant coda to a historically important yet deeply confused document that I've spent a few days with. If we accept this latter version, it also suggests a barest hint of the ABSTRACTION of mathematics, and if it is Ahmoses' hand, it even suggests a humility of sensing lack of understanding, an original interpretation on my part, now that I understand the Rhind Papyrus a little bit.