The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-03-11
/ 3 3 4
5 6 Z 8
9 10 IL II
IL IL Il

The members of the New York
Academy of Science say that the
blocks are capable of being placed in a
trillion of combinations.
1t is possible that a publication of a
solution of the famous puzzle may in
terrupt rudely the reveries of the phi
losophers who have either solved the
problem for themselves, or have the
leisure to toll over its intricacies. But
the conviction that the solution will
bear an olive branch of peace to count
less stricken households prompts the
New York Evening Post, in spirit
of broad philanthropy, to offer what
appears to be one of the several keys
to the game.
For the sake of clearness, says the
Post, let us first agree that the row Of
numbers next to the side of the box
from the holder, and containing the
numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4, shall be called
A; the next parallel row, contain
ing the numbers 5, 6, and s, be call
ed B; and the third row, containing
the numbers 8, 10, IL and IL, be called
G. We shall see that B and G are the
important rows in our solution.
At the outset, instead of getting the
lower numbers in their numerical Or
der, the qpicker way to solution is to
arrange eleven numbers in their prop
er order on the outside rows of the
box. 1t can be quickly secured by
using the four central squares and
three blocks. Move into the central
square the outer block (any one of
those numbered above), turn it until
opposite its proper place and make
vacancy for it by removing block
from another part of the outer rows
and shifting the outer blocks around.
So easily is this done that we leave it
to the ingenuity of our readers with
out further Instructions.
The outer blocks having been ar
ranged, the puzzle is limited to the
four central squares and the numbers
6, z, 10 and II, which will rarely come
in their proper order. These four
numbers are susceptible of twenty
four combinations, which, however,
as we shall show hereafter, may be re-
solved into two, namely, a double in
version Gin row B Z, 6 and in row G
IL, 10 and single inversion, row B
correct and IL, 10 in row @. The
double inversion is solved as follows,
understanding the mandatory word
move before each of the numbers which
follows:
12,s,6, 1O,11, 7, 10, 6, 8. IL, 6, 10, 7,6,
10, Z, 6. 10, IL, II.
Let the foregoing formula be called
X.
The single inversion crow B correct
and IL, 10 in row c., which seems to
involve the whole secret of the puzzle,
will be solved by moving the follow
ing numbers in the order prescribed
1913, Z, 10, IL. 6, 10, z, 8, IL, Z, 10, 6, 7
Ii, 8, 10, IL, Z, 6, IL, 10, 8, z, 10, IL, 8, 10,
z, s, IL, z, 10, 6, z, IL, 8, II. We now
haye z, IL in row B and 6, 10 in row c.
Move all the outer blocks until num-
ber is shifted four places and is next
toe. Move the box one quarter around
and it will be seen that the solution is
complete. Let the foregoing formula
be called Y.
We have disposed of three of the
twenty -four combinations possible
with the four central numbers. The
three are: Cd the right order, e. one
double inversion and (3) one single
inversion. Any one of the remaining
twenty-iour combinations can be
quickly converted into ono of the fore
going three by applying to them re-
repeatedly the method of moves in
formula x or the method represented
in the first eight moves in formula x,
or both methods combined. The
moves are to be the same, though the
order of numbers, will of course. be
different. Formula x, and also its
first eight moves, should therefore be
practiced carefully before any CONVEX
sion of the twenty-one combinations
is tried. After the double or single
inversion ia obtained, they. can then