Re: Strange Maths (was Re: Why not 13 months?)

Kai Henningsen (kai@khms.westfalen.de)
31 Jul 1995 23:48:00 +0200

dsc@gemini.gsfc.nasa.gov wrote on 26.07.95 in <3v5mct$hqo@post.gsfc.nasa.gov>:

> In article <uflotoi0lq.fsf@hrlib.brooks.af.mil> tjm@hrlib.brooks.af.mil (SrA
> >Tim Miller) writes: On 21 Jul 1995 00:20:15 GMT, Whittet@shore.net
> >(Whittet) said:
> >W> Wouldn't it be easier for a society which had invented writing to
> >W> just send a note instead of a man?
> >
> > No. You neglect the fact that there was a transaction of real
> >goods taking place here; the Pharoh's agent would be expected to *PAY*
> >for the order. Thus, it is easier to send an agent with orders to get
> >material meeting certain specifications he carries with him, than to
> >rely on the dubious measurment standards of a foreign people who are
> >likely to try to cheat you anyway...
> >
> > Look at it from an Egyptian's point a view, and sending an envoy
>
> More to the point, if they're going to send a note someone has to carrry
> it there.

Even more, "a society which had invented writing" is definitely not the
same as a society where you can send notes to everyone.

I'm no expert on this, but I believe that most Egyptians *couldn't* read
or write. It's reasonable to expect even worse for non-Egyptians.

So, just who would send a note to whom?

Kai

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