|
 When
we first published the 12 Billiard Balls puzzle (Issues
4 and
6, November 1997 and March 1998), reader
response consisted of little more than a stifled yawn. In contrast, on
the Internet the puzzle is a worldwide favourite. Person after person is
looking for a solution, and most find it at Bikwil.
The
downside of all this is that I may have stated the problem
inaccurately. I quote (verbatim) from an affronted U.S.
searcher:
A beam
scale usually has one tray where a balence scale has two. this obviously
makes a big difference in how the problem is solved! . . . I have wasted
hours trying to solve with a beam scale . . . Maybe youll consider
rewording your question.
Yes, I
did say beam balance — the phrase I’d swear we used in high
school science. These days, though, the term for the “see-saw” two-pan
scales is balance scale, while beam balance seems to apply
the device with one tray and one or more weights that slide along the
beam(s).
Do any
readers have more information on the matter?
This
current issue of Bikwil, by the way, is loaded down with contrite
behaviour. Far too much for its own good, perhaps. For other examples
(if you must) see Another
Apology from the Front Porch and
Mistaken Identity.
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