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Re: Correction. Was: Why is a sextant like it is?
From: Bill B
Date: 2004 Nov 18, 23:26 -0500
From: Bill B
Date: 2004 Nov 18, 23:26 -0500
> I am sorry: > in all my previous messages on the subject > I was talking of the numeric system base 60. > It is called SEXAGESIMAL, not "hexadecimal". Alex, No "sorry" necessary. In fact the group causes me explore and think. Until today I did not know what sexagesinal was/is. An honest misconception on your part that apparently made the assumption 20th-century binary (2 nary) computer folk who pretty much invented the "hexadecimal" term based on 8-bits-per-byte were not thinking in Roman Numeral terms--that being additive/subtractive. Hex = 6. Deci = 10. Using the Arabic Positional System/Place Value System--six tens, therefore 60. Since we have used Arabic base 10 (X fingers) positional system for how many centuries(?), one might assume high-tech gurus would think that way. In Roman times, VI + X, or base/radix XVI (16). One could also argue X minus VI, or IV (4). Hopefully a binary cel-nav brother or sister will explain the flaw in my rant. Nonetheless, thanks you to all for the challenges, thought provoking questions and debates. And a wee bit of humor ;-) Bill
