The Classical Elements and Platonic Solids Video Tutorials With Coins

Euclidean Construction

More than 2,000 years ago, in Ptolemy’s Alexandria, Euclid assembled the dispersed geometrical works of his Greek counterparts in a single comprehensive book. Euclid’s Elements survives as a pinnacle of cultural expression, proving that well designed artifacts can preserve the best of long lost civilizations. This video series demonstrates several practical geometric construction techniques used in designing The Euclidean Coin.

Lesson 1 — “E” is For Euclid

Design a logo for Euclid and construct a serif letter from start to finish using only a pencil, compass and a straight edge. Individual techniques to be demonstrated in more detail in subsequent video lessons include: constructing perpendicular lines, parallel lines, and bisecting angles.

Lesson 2 — Finding the Center of a Circle

Practice a practical version of one of the most fundamental constructions inherent in designing and drafting of any circular object. The primary Euclidean construction technique for finding the center of a circle, demonstrated in more detail in a subsequent video lesson, is Bisecting a given line. Reference Euclid’s Elements, Book 3, Proposition 1 for proof that the center of a circle has been found.

Lesson 3 — Bisecting a Given Line

Find the center point of a line with given length without the use of a ruler. Reference Euclid’s Elements, Book 1, Proposition 10 for proof that the given line has been bisected.

Lesson 4 — Constructing a Line Perpendicular To a Given Line

Draw a perpendicular line from a specific point without the use of a drafting square. Reference Euclid’s Elements, Book 1, Proposition 11 for proof that the new line is perpendicular to the given line from a given point.

Lesson 5 — Constructing a Line Parallel To a Given Line

Draw parallel lines at specific distances without the use of a ruler or drafting table. Reference Euclid’s Elements, Book 1, Proposition 31 for proof that the new line is parallel to the given line at a given distance.

Lesson 6 — Bisecting a Given Angle

Use a line to divide any angle in half without the use of a protractor. Reference Euclid’s Elements, Book 1, Proposition 9 for proof that the given angle has been bisected by the new line.

The Euclidean Coin

The fourth in a collection of artistic coins inspired by important developments in philosophy, science and math

Euclidean Construction

The Euclidean Coin Set

The Euclidean Coin | Bronze

The Euclidean Coin | Copper

The Euclidean Coin | .999 Solid Silver