hand drawn : hamiltons map 2003

one of a series of drawings devised from found and collected hand drawn diagrams and maps

Diagram by contemporary mathematician, Ann Marie McManus, explaining story and application of Hamilton's Quaternion Equation, which he inscribed on a bridge in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Hamilton, a 19th Century mathematician in Dublin made a landmark of the bridge where he inscribed his now famous formula for quaternion multiplication.

The legend states that he had been mulling over the problem for a considerable time and resolved it whilst crossing the bridge. He hurriedly inscribed it in the stone for fear of losing the train of thought. This site is still reputedly a pilgrimage point for contemporary mathematicians.

Medium: Cut out from red vinyl plastic, hung on dressmaker's pins 1 cm proud of wall.
20 cm. 30 cm. / 12'' . 12''