Configurations and their realization (Q1377803)

A configuration \((v_r,b_k)\) is a finite incidence structure of \(v\) points and \(b\) lines such that each point lies on \(r\) lines, each line contains \(k\) points and, there exists at most one line passing through two points. In the paper under review the possibility of realizing a configuration \((v_r,b_k)\) with rational coordinates (i.e. in the rational Euclidean plane) is discussed. This paper is mainly a circumstantial historical survey.