“I have often admired the mystical way of Pythagoras, and the secret magic of numbers“
Sir Thomas Browne first said this in the seventeenth century, was probably not directed at Magic Squares, and yet it most assuredly does apply to this very fascinating and ancient of mathematical constructions.
If you’re not familiar with Magic Squares, then it is simply a square grid (e.g. 3 x 3, 4 x 4), where the total of all the numbers in each row, the sum of all the numbers in each column, and, in order for it to be classified as a perfect Magic Square, the sum of all the numbers in each of the two corner diagonals, all sum to the same total, which is often called the “magic total”.
Perhaps surprisingly, Magic Squares date back all the way to 2,800BC when a magic square known as the “Loh-Shu”, which can be translated as “scroll of the river Loh”, was invented by Fuh-Hi, the mythical founder of Chinese civilization.
Independently of this, Magic Squares have been found in Indian, Roman, Greek and Arabian cultures too, all of them dating back hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
Mathematicians all over the globe, including, most notably, Benjamin Franklin, have added their insights to these mathematical curiosities, to the extent that even now, there are hard-core maths geeks who are still discovering intriguing, new facets of these Magic Squares.
Although alphabetic Magic Squares also exist, and have done for centuries, most Magic Squares are based on numbers, it is not too surprising that they are also used in a sort of numerological / astrological way, and this practise has typically been most common in India, where the Yantra is constructed using a person’s full birthdate, and then used to give a character reading.
That’s all very well, but I’m sure you wondering whether Magic Squares have any practical uses.
Well, in one aspect, they certainly do – they are a fantastic means of educating children about both mathematics and the relationships between numbers.
There are plenty of examples on the Internet to be found, and in particular, a free Magic Squares Worksheet that combines a 3D puzzle with a Magic Square, which will keep children (and adults alike) both entertained and educated.
Magic Squares can also be found in the world of magic (of the conjuring variety, that is), being used both as the effect itself and the secret method by which the effect is achieved. Many books have been written on this subject, including one widely-acclaimed one that is simply called Magic Squares and that presents both a mathematical analysis, as well as some of the many uses to which magicians have put Magic Squares.
Be careful though – once you appreciate the beauty of these simultaneously simple but complex creations, you may be hooked for life!
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