User talk:David spector

Hello David,

I saw your contribution on Banach-Tarski paradox referring to a picture that you recalled seeing in Scientifc American of a possible decomposition. Is it possible that this was in the text of Martin Gardner's article with the April fool claim that he had received correspondence from one Arlo Lipof who had constructed the decomposition, and gone into hiding in South America in order to apply it to spheres of gold?

If so, do you think that this annecdote merits addition to the article? I would not want to add it myself without some reinforcement, as I am already wondering whether to adopt the nom-de-plume of Annecdotard :-). -- Alan Peakall 16:18 Feb 12, 2003 (UTC)

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No, the picture I recalled was not part of an April Fool's article. It was a serious article about 2D and 3D mathematical dissection. In an atypical rush of energy, I looked back at my archive of SA, back to about 1994, and did not see the cover picture of the decomposition. (There was also another cover picture, back in the 1970's, I believe, of the first successful 3D decomposition of the sphere.)

I wish I could find it, but I am sure the article was published. David 20:39 Feb 12, 2003 (UTC)