Figure 5. The Greek foot
(all measures in inches)
Developments
-
1. DF is the remen of 14 7/12 inches. G is the middle of DF.
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2. GH is created by drawing a line at right angles to DF.
H is on the same plane as FE.
Triangle GHF is yet another 3.4.5 proportion triangle.
Outcomes
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1. GH is 9 26/36 inches which is equivalent to ten Roman inches (uncia),
that is, 10/12ths of
a Roman foot. An uncia was, accordingly, 35/36 (British imperial) inch. The Roman
foot also had 16 digit divisions; this digit was the same length as the remen digit: 35/48
inch.
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2. FH is 5/3 times GF 7 7/24 inches and, accordingly, 12 11/72 (12.152777 ...) inches, the
Greek foot. The Greek foot was equivalent to 12.5 Roman uncia - the known 25:24 ratio
between the Greek foot (FH) and the Roman foot (DE) is thus clearly visible in the above
diagram.
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