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> Many years later, I saw an ancient sextant in some marine
> gift shop in California, and was considering buying it, for
> "sentiomental reasons", but was afraid that my friends
> will think I am crazy:-)

Some things really are funny or crazy.  I have witnessed tourists standing
in front of famous art on the wall in a museum laugh.  The subject matter
was not funny-ha ha, they simply tried to cover their lack of understanding
by turning it into a joke.

You have proven yourself as a world-class mathematician.  Cel nav has proven
itself as well.  Hang it on your wall or put it on your mantel and let them
laugh.  Understand it is their way of expressing, "I wonder what this genius
knows that I don't, but I won't admit my ignorance."

The second Richard P. Feynman quote today, and the title of his (I believe)
last autobiographical book, "What do you care what other people think?"

As a mathematician I'll let you run the numbers on the below:

Given:  There are thousands of new sextants being sold every year.

How many are replacements for broken or worn out units?

How did they get broken or worn out if they are not being used?

Or is it just thousands of established aficionados adding to their
collection, and if so, why not antique sextants?  As the old conundrum goes:
Do women fool around as much as men?  If not, who are all the men fooling
around with, one woman? Not likely!

Think you are in good company.

Bill





Bill

   

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