Masters of Mathematics: Rhind Mathematical Papyrus of Ancient
Egypt
'Accurate reckoning.The entrance into the knowledge of all
existing things and all obscure secrets.'
The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus is the most extensive
mathematical source-book surviving from 16th century BC ancient
Egypt. It was acquired by the Scottish lawyer A. H. Rhind during
his stay in Thebes in the 1850s then after his death purchased in
two pieces in 1867 by the British Museum.
The Royal Cornwall Museum will be the third museum to which it
has been lent in the UK since 2004, following on from Birmingham
Museum and Art Gallery, and the Egypt Centre at the University of
Wales in Swansea. The exhibition will include material from the
Royal Cornwall Museum and other public collections in the south
west.
Royal Cornwall Museum,
Truro
26 July – 11 October 2008
Image: Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, Thebes,
Upper Egypt