If, however, the reader will look at the solution in Figs. 3 and 4, he
will see that no such fault can be found with it. There is no question
whatever that there are three pieces, and the solution is in this
respect quite satisfactory. But another question arises. It will be
found on inspection that the piece marked F, in Fig. 3, is turned over
in Fig. 4--that is to say, a different side has necessarily to be
presented. If the puzzle were merely to be cut out of cardboard or wood,
there might be no objection to this reversal, but it is quite possible
that the material would not admit of being reversed. There might be a
pattern, a polish, a difference of texture, that prevents it. But it is
generally understood that in dissection puzzles you are allowed to turn
pieces over unless it is distinctly stated that you may not do so. And
very often a puzzle is greatly improved by the added condition, "no
piece may be turned over." I have often made puzzles, too, in which the
diagram has a small repeated pattern, and the pieces have then so to be
cut that not only is there no turning over, but the pattern has to be
matched, which cannot be done if the pieces are turned round, even with
the proper side uppermost.
[Illustration: Fig. 3]
[Illustration: Fig. 4]
Before presenting a varied series of cutting-out puzzles, some very easy
and others difficult, I propose to consider one family alone--those
problems involving what is known as the Greek cross with the square.
This will exhibit a great variety of curious transpositions, and, by
having the solutions as we go along, the reader will be saved the
trouble of perpetually turning to another part of the book, and will
have everything under his eye. It is hoped that in this way the article
may prove somewhat instructive to the novice and interesting to others.
GREEK CROSS PUZZLES.
"To fret thy soul with crosses."
SPENSER.
"But, for my part, it was Greek to me."
_Julius Caesar_, i. 2.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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