E-learning Curve Blog at Edublogs

Question: What is the link between an 19th Century Irish physicist and you, dear reader, viewing this blog post on your cool flat-screen monitor?

Answer: Quaternions!

Now read on.

Quaternions, in mathematics, are an extension of complex numbers. They were first described by the Irish mathematician Sir William Rowan Hamilton in 1843 and applied to mechanics in three-dimensional space. They are used in both theoretical and applied mathematics, in particular for calculations involving three-dimensional rotations. Due to their utility in describing spatial rotations, quaternions are used in computer graphics, control theory, signal processing, attitude control, physics, bioinformatics, and orbital mechanics. For example, it is common for spacecraft attitude-control systems to be commanded in terms of quaternions.

Today is the anniversary of the moment of inspiration when Hamilton discovered quaternions.

The story goes, on 16th October 1843 Hamilton was out walking along the Royal Canal in Dublin with his wife when the solution in the form of the equation

i2 = j2 = k2 = ijk = – 1

suddenly occurred to him; Hamilton then promptly carved this equation using his penknife into the side of Broom Bridge for fear he would forget it.

For the last 20 years or so, my alma mater the National University of Ireland, Maynooth has organized a pilgrimage, where mathematicians take a walk from Dunsink Observatory in Finglas to the Broombridge. Sadly, no trace of his graffiti remains, though a stone plaque does commemorate the discovery.

Quaternion Plaque, Broombridge, Dublin, Ireland

So maybe today, if you have a chance, you’ll tip your hat to one of the people who made it possible for us, as e-learning professionals, to create Web-based content, particularly when we design immersive simulations, and adapt virtual-world environments like Second Life for enhancing your audiences’ ability to learn.

I think I might go for a ramble down the Canal later to see can I find that stone…

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PS. Good to be back.