The magic of the pentangle: Dynamic symmetry from Merlin to Penrose (Q917034)

Four bugs start at the vertices of a square and crawl, with equal speed, each directly to the ``next'' one. The square (vertices at the bugs) rotates and decreases. This is dynamic symmetry. The section of an aging nautilus shell shows an increasing spiral - more dynamic symmetry. Growing golden rectangles - still more dynamic symmetry. These (and more) are too often presented in a dry manner by mathematicians. But in this paper, the author lets Merlin the Magician entertain while teaching (and teach while entertaining) King Arthur's court. It's mostly ``old hat'', but it's fun in the hands of an artist who provides a charming setting and fine drawings and photographs - and interesting literary side remarks. There is an unexpectedly good bibliography. I think that the author could (and should) produce a film based on this material.