TRISECTION OF AN ANGLE.
Lastly, we shall notice among problems of this class—the Trisection of an Angle, which it is asserted can only be accomplished by means of the conic sections and some other curves.
A rule for the cubic equation by which the problem of trisection is solved has been given by Cardan.
The difficulty only arises when we attempt the trisection of any other than a right angle, its trisection being easily effected with a pair of compasses.
On this subject it has been observed that, "there is no more trouble in trisecting an angle, not a right angle, than in finding a cube root."
These three celebrated problems have received the attention of mathematicians in every age and country, and led to many learned discussions, and controversial writings. But in point of litigiousness the Squarers of the Circle most decidedly carry off the palm, having frequently laid and lost heavy wagers, and even appeared in a Court of Justice to settle their monetary disputes. They are renowned for their pamphlets, in which philosophers of every class are charged with prejudice, conceit, and ignorance, and denounced for their want of candour and consistency in not giving audience to the projector of the last best demonstration.