Do Androids Dream of Symmetric Sheaves?: And Other Mathematically Bent Stories

The Devil is thrilled when Hell gets its first mathematician, 6 and 27 solve the diabolical murder of 9, a vampire has advantages in the math world, Dr. Frankenstein creates the ideal mathematical creature, and a grad student digging for theorems strikes a rich vein on the ridge overlooking Deadwood. These are just a few of the questions explored in this collection of 45 mathematically bent stories from the fertile imagination of Colin Adams, originally appearing in The Mathematical Intelligencer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 253 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2023
Publisher: Birkhauser Verlag AG

Why is the Devil thrilled when Hell gets its first mathematician?

The Devil is said to be thrilled when Hell gets its first mathematician because mathematics is often seen as a cold, abstract, and logical discipline, which contrasts with the fiery and chaotic nature of Hell. By having a mathematician in its midst, the Devil believes that it can use their analytical skills to solve complex problems and manipulate the laws of the universe to its advantage.

How do 6 and 27 solve the diabolical murder of 9?

This question is a play on the fact that 6 and 27 are the sum of 9, which suggests that there is a hidden pattern or solution to the murder. However, the answer to this question is not known, and it is likely a riddle or puzzle intended to challenge the reader's logic and reasoning skills.

What are the advantages a vampire has in the math world?

Vampires are often associated with darkness, mystery, and the supernatural, and so it is not surprising that some people might think that they have advantages in the math world. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Vampires are fictional creatures, and their abilities and powers are not based on any real-world phenomena.

What happens when we run out of new math to discover?

It is difficult to predict what will happen when we run out of new math to discover. However, it is likely that mathematicians will continue to explore new areas of mathematics and push the boundaries of what is currently known. This may involve developing new theories, algorithms, and models to solve complex problems or exploring new areas of mathematics that have not been studied before.

How does Dr. Frankenstein create the ideal mathematical creature?

Dr. Frankenstein is a fictional character from Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus." In the novel, Dr. Frankenstein creates a monster by combining parts of different creatures and using scientific techniques to give it life. There is no real-world counterpart to Dr. Frankenstein's creation, and there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that it is possible to create a mathematical creature using the same techniques.

What transpires when a grad student digging for theorems strikes a rich vein on the ridge overlooking Deadwood?

This question is a play on the fact that Deadwood, South Dakota is known for its rich history of gold mining and the wild west. The grad student digging for theorems is likely searching for a new mathematical discovery or breakthrough that could change the course of mathematics. However, the outcome of their research is not known, and it is likely a riddle or puzzle intended to challenge the reader's imagination and creativity.

What happens when math students band together to foment rebellion?

This question is a play on the idea that mathematics is often seen as a solitary and abstract discipline, which can be isolating and frustrating for students. By banding together and fomenting rebellion, math students are challenging the traditional power structures of the math world and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse approach to mathematics education.

What will a mathematician do beyond the grave to finish that elusive proof?

This question is a play on the idea that mathematicians are often driven by a desire to solve complex problems and prove mathematical theorems, even after they have passed away. The idea that a mathematician could continue to work on a proof beyond the grave is a fascinating and imaginative idea, but it is not supported by any scientific evidence.

This is just a small subset of the questions plumbed in this collection of 45 mathematically bent stories from the fertile imagination of Colin Adams. Originally appearing in The Mathematical Intelligencer, an expository mathematics magazine, these tales give a decidedly unconventional look at the world of mathematics and mathematicians. A section of notes is provided at the end of the book that explain references that may not be familiar to all and that include additional commentary by the author.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031314902
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023