Support a Bucket over Edge of Table using Staff
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This page has a problem that needs the help of a knowledgeable authority, as follows:
The solution given by David Wells in his Curious and Interesting Puzzles is in the form of a diagram, but it does not seem to make sense. Besides, he appears to be using $2$ sticks, not just one staff. Maybe the word "staff" has changed its meaning since Victorian times.
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Problem
You have a strong staff, and a bucket almost full of water.
Required to support the bucket over the edge of a table.
Solution
The solution given by David Wells in his Curious and Interesting Puzzles is in the form of a diagram, but it does not seem to make sense. Besides, he appears to be using $2$ sticks, not just one staff. Maybe the word "staff" has changed its meaning since Victorian times.
If you are particularly knowledgeable in this area, then you can help ProofWiki by resolving the issues.
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Historical Note
This puzzle is typical of those found in collections of Victorian amusements.
Sources
- 1633: Henry van Etten: Mathematicall Recreations (translated by William Oughtred from Récréations Mathématiques)
- 1992: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Puzzles ... (previous) ... (next): Henry van Etten: $114$