Four-Dimensional Vistas by Claude Fayette Bragdon
page 20 of 116 (17%)
page 20 of 116 (17%)
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"The point, the line, the surface and the sphere, In seed, stem, leaf and fruit appear." A similar sequence may be noted within the body: the _line_-network of the nerves conveys the message of sensation from the _surface_ of the body to some center in the _solid_, of the brain--and thence to the Silent Thinker, "he who is without and within," or in terms of our hypothesis, "he who dwells in higher space." MAN THE GEOMETER When man essays the rĂ´le of creator he cannot do otherwise than follow similar sequences: it is easy to discern dimensional progression in the products of man's ingenuity and skill. Consider, for example, the evolution of a building from its inception to its completion. It exists first of all in the mind of the architect, and there it is indubitably higher-spatial, for he can interpenetrate and examine every part, and he can consider it all at once, viewing it simultaneously from without and from within, just as one would be able to do in a space of four dimensions. He begins to give his idea physical embodiment by making with a pencil-_point, lines_ on a _plane_ (a piece of paper), the third dimension being represented by means of the other two. Next (if he is careful and wise) he makes a three-dimensional model. From the architect's drawings the engineer establishes his points, lays out his angles, and runs his lines upon the site itself. The mason follows, and with his footing courses makes ponderable and permanent the lines of the engineer. These lines become in due course walls--vertical planes. Floors and |
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