![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Oct. 13th, 2007
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif){kind=small}
Ramble, Part 34: Dysfunctional Notation
Oct. 13th, 2007 05:52 pmThe use of the notation y=f(x) to represent a functional relationship between two variables is deeply entrenched in modern mathematics, and the notation has proven extremely convenient for many purposes. Nonetheless, there are problems with it, and it is possible that some superior notation could be devised. More under the cut.
( Category Errors )
Ramble Contents
( Category Errors )
Ramble Contents
Fraser Fumbles?
Oct. 13th, 2007 08:56 pmI just finished reading George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman's Lady. Like the other Flashman novels I've read, it was thoroughly entertaining, but something caught my attention near the end. Fraser is usually meticulously careful about historical details, but....
Near the end of the story, a joint British-French force attacks a fortress on Madagascar. They are repulsed, but manage to capture the fortress's Malagasy flag. There is a comic tussle between the French and British commanders over the flag, and at one point the French commander refers to it as "the rightful property of Madame la République". Problem: this is taking place in 1845. France was still a monarchy; Louis-Phillipe was not overthrown until 1848.
This is so unlike Fraser's usual care that I have to think there must be an explanation. Any suggestions?
Near the end of the story, a joint British-French force attacks a fortress on Madagascar. They are repulsed, but manage to capture the fortress's Malagasy flag. There is a comic tussle between the French and British commanders over the flag, and at one point the French commander refers to it as "the rightful property of Madame la République". Problem: this is taking place in 1845. France was still a monarchy; Louis-Phillipe was not overthrown until 1848.
This is so unlike Fraser's usual care that I have to think there must be an explanation. Any suggestions?
