Epilogue

In this book we have tried to illustrate why mathematicians should take the practical problems of engineering seriously. We have also tried to illustrate some mathematics by suggesting experiments and the construction of mathematical models.

We have not provided a systematic treatment of the Platonic solids: this is a topic that is so comprehensively covered in Cundy and Rollet (1961), and in many other books, that we have little if anything new to add. Similarly, we do not include anything about sundials, which are an excellent source of basic mathematical activities. However, this is extensive enough a field to deserve the sort of dedicated treatment found in the excellent books of, for example, Rohr (1970) and Waugh (1973). Those who have enjoyed reading this book might like to consider sundials as their next fruitful source of mathematical construction projects. For a more mathematical treatment you might appreciate working through Yates (1949), which is a carefully structured set of exercises in geometry that have much in common with the topics we have covered.

We have also tried to illustrate what happens to familiar and apparently simple things when you dig a little deeper, or change something slightly. Neither of us realized quite how interested we would become in these topics when we embarked on this book. We can only encourage you to continue where we have stopped.