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
--
>>> PFM-Mainz.de distributes mail bombs. <<<
Internet: kai@khms.westfalen.de
Bang: major_backbone!khms.westfalen.de!kai
http://www.westfalen.de/~kai/
|