The blog post explores the interconnectedness of various measurement systems and mathematical concepts, examining potential historical links that are likely coincidental. The author notes the near equivalence of a meter to a royal cubit times the golden ratio, and how this relates to the dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza. While acknowledging the established historical definition of the meter based on Earth's circumference, the post speculates on whether ancient Egyptians might have possessed a sophisticated understanding of these relationships, potentially incorporating the golden ratio and Earth's dimensions into their construction. However, the author ultimately concludes that the observed connections are likely due to mathematical happenstance rather than deliberate design.
NIST's Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2387, peanut butter, isn't for spreading on sandwiches. It serves as a calibration standard for laboratories analyzing food composition, ensuring accurate measurements of nutrients and contaminants like aflatoxins. This carefully blended and homogenized peanut butter provides a consistent benchmark, allowing labs to verify the accuracy of their equipment and methods, ultimately contributing to food safety and quality. The SRM ensures that different labs get comparable results when testing foods, promoting reliable and consistent data across the food industry.
Hacker News users discuss NIST's standard reference peanut butter (SRMs 2387 and 2388). Several commenters express amusement and mild surprise that such a standard exists, questioning its necessity. Some delve into the practical applications, highlighting its use for calibrating analytical instruments and ensuring consistency in food manufacturing and testing. A few commenters with experience in analytical chemistry explain the importance of reference materials, emphasizing the difficulty in creating homogenous samples like peanut butter. Others discuss the specific challenges of peanut butter analysis, like fat migration and particle size distribution. The rigorous testing procedures NIST uses, including multiple labs analyzing the same batch, are also mentioned. Finally, some commenters joke about the "dream job" of tasting peanut butter for NIST.
Summary of Comments ( 13 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43207962
HN commenters largely dismiss the linked article as numerology and pseudoscience. Several point out the arbitrary nature of choosing specific measurements and units (meters, cubits) to force connections. One commenter notes that the golden ratio shows up frequently in geometric constructions, making its presence in the pyramids unsurprising and not necessarily indicative of intentional design. Others criticize the article's lack of rigor and its reliance on coincidences rather than evidence-based arguments. The general consensus is that the article presents a flawed and unconvincing argument for a relationship between these different elements.
The Hacker News post titled "The Meter, Golden Ratio, Pyramids, and Cubits, Oh My" has generated a moderate number of comments, most of which express skepticism and amusement at the original article's attempt to connect the meter to the Great Pyramid of Giza via the golden ratio and cubits.
Several commenters point out the historical inaccuracy of the claims. One commenter highlights that the meter's definition has changed over time, initially being related to the Earth's circumference and only later linked to a physical artifact. This debunks the idea of a pre-planned connection to ancient Egyptian measurements. Another commenter mentions the imprecision inherent in measuring the pyramid itself, making any exact correspondence with the meter highly improbable. The variability in historical cubit lengths is also raised, further undermining the argument for a precise relationship.
Another line of discussion centers on the perceived "pyramid inch" and its alleged relationship to British Imperial units. Commenters dismiss this connection as coincidental and highlight the convoluted logic required to arrive at such a conclusion. The tendency to find patterns where none exist is also discussed, referencing the phenomenon of pareidolia.
Some commenters approach the topic with humor, joking about the prevalence of such theories and the fascination with hidden connections. One commenter sarcastically suggests a connection between the size of their foot and the circumference of Jupiter. Another uses the opportunity to plug a book debunking similar historical myths.
A few commenters attempt to engage with the mathematical aspects, discussing the golden ratio and its properties. However, these discussions generally reinforce the skepticism towards the original article's claims, emphasizing the lack of evidence for any meaningful connection.
In summary, the comments on Hacker News largely reject the premise of the linked article. They point out historical inaccuracies, methodological flaws, and the general implausibility of the proposed connections. The overall tone is one of skepticism, occasionally tinged with humor and amusement at the article's attempts to find profound meaning in numerical coincidences.