At 09:16 AM 2/16/00 +0100, you wrote: > >Is it known whether the Babylonians, when they chose 360 degrees to a >circle, were more concerned with the convenience of numbers divisible >by 2's and 3's or with the fact that there are 360 days in a year >(within a percent or two)? > >--Art > Ptolmey says that he and the Greek astronomers used the Babylonian base 60 because of all the divisors. Since they used only rational fractions this made sense. There seems to be something special about these base 60 numbers. 2x3=6, 3x4x5=60, 3x4x5x6=360. There are about 360 days in a year so 360 almost fits for a full circular cycle. The circle and equilateral triangle are "perfect" shapes. Six equilateral triangles fit in a circle perfectly. No wonder they chose such a system.
In a perfect world, there are 360 days in the year with 12 30 day months. There are 360 degrees in a circle, pi is 3.00, and we have six fingers. Reality, as usual, is a little off. Nothing is perfect. Roger Bailey Walking Shadow Designs N 0.89 rad, W 2.00 rad
