The Dimensions of Paradise by John Michell

Author:John Michell [John Michell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inner Traditions/Bear & Company

Now can be seen clearly the function of the central acropolis, of area 36 NJ units, in the numerical constitution of Magnesia. If the area of the whole circle, radius 3,960 feet, is calculated with the use of 864/275 as π, it amounts to 108,864 NJ units. In that case the acropolis circle is included in the area. If, however, the more convenient π = 22/7 is used, the whole area contains 108,900 NJ units. The number 108,900 is not divisible by 5,040, so the acropolis circle is omitted, and the result is 108,900 – 36 = 108,864 NJ units, allowing 21.60 units to each of the 5,040 Magnesians.

Yet this attractive arrangement cannot be claimed as the perfect reconstruction of Magnesia, because it ignores two of Plato’s conditions. The land, he says, is not to be divided into twelve exactly equal segments, but “the division must be made equitable by arranging for those [segments] containing good land to be smaller than those with inferior land.” Plato also refers to thin strips of no-man’s-land that in some cases separate the twelve segments occupied by the twelve Magnesian tribes.

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